Braves win highly anticipated pitchers' duel
The Braves were able to prevail in extra innings yesterday over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Max Fried and Paul Skenes made for one of the most exciting pitching matchups of the season yesterday. While the game was low-scoring, neither starter had their best stuff.
Both Fried and Skenes pitched six innings of work, while allowing six hits and one earned run. Eventually, Adam Duvall came through in the 10th inning with a much needed big hit versus a right-handed pitcher, to walk-off the Pirates.
The Phillies dropped a close game to the Marlins in their first game without two key sluggers. That result dwindled their division lead to seven games. Atlanta will go for the sweep over Pittsburgh early this afternoon behind rookie pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach.
Ian Anderson set to make his third rehab start
Former number three overall pick, Ian Anderson is working his way back from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in April of 2023. In his first couple of appearances since returning, Anderson has pitched five innings and allowed one earned run with seven strikeouts.
A sight for sore eyes - Ian Anderson on the mound. Ian made his first rehab appearance a few days ago, 2IP 0H 0R 0BB 4K pic.twitter.com/bi7PAqjUdg
— Gaurav (@gvedak) June 23, 2024
Anderson will make his third start this afternoon for the High-A Green Jackets. Braves beat writer David O'Brien speculated today, that Anderson could return to Atlanta at some point after the All-Star break.
Laureano dealing with back injury
The Braves veteran outfielder, Ramon Laureano has not played since Wednesday's game against St. Louis. Laureano is dealing with a sore back, and yesterday Braves manager Brian Snitker said the plan was to keep Laureano out until Tuesday.
Since arriving in Atlanta, Ramon has a .257 batting average with one home run in 35 at-bats. However, Laureano has a lot of hard-hit outs since putting on a Braves uniform. If those good at-bats continue, you can expect Laureano to get a ton of playing time while Michael Harris II is on the shelf.