There has been a lot going on with the Atlanta Braves over the last few days including impressive on-field performances, encouraging injury updates, and much more.
Atlanta returned from a rough road trip that saw them go 1-5 against the Mariners and Dodgers. Western road trips have never been kind to the Braves so they were counting the days to return back home.
It appeared to be just what the doctor ordered as the Braves and Red Sox squared off for a two-game series at Truist Park. There are plenty of good things to talk about after the series sweep so let's jump right in.
Jarred Kelenic and Marcell Ozuna steal the show at Truist Park
Reynaldo Lopez and Chris Sale pitched extremely well during Atlanta's two-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox. Lopez allowed one run on six hits with four walks and five strikeouts over 5.1 innings. The walks aren't great but he still provided Atlanta a chance to win.
Chris Sale balled out against his former squad with a scoreless six-inning, six-hit, one-walk, ten-strikeout performance. He also enjoyed help from incredible defense from Austin Riley and Jarred Kelenic.
Times like this 🫡#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/7z6gKrQrGV
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 9, 2024
Kelenic hit his first home run as a Brave on Tuesday evening into the Chop House. He followed that up with a 1-for-2 performance on Wednesday night. However, the most impressive thing from Kelenic on Wednesday was a web gem where he robbed a home run to preserve the shutout for Chris Sale.
However, the biggest highlight from this series sweep was Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna hit two homers in this series and drove in five runs. He drew two walks and struck out twice as well. He now leads baseball in home runs (12) and RBI (38). Marcell continues to be one of the brightest spots in the Atlanta offense.
Sean Murphy inches closer to Braves return
Atlanta fans received a brief update on their All-Star catcher a few days ago and at that point, Sean Murphy was catching bullpens and hitting off a tee. Yesterday, it was announced by the Braves that he has now progressed to hitting in the batting cage.
#Braves’ Snitker said catcher Sean Murphy has advanced to hitting in the batting cage, after hitting off tee twice last week. Inching closer to return from strained oblique, injured in season opener.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 8, 2024
There still isn't a timetable for his return to the field but knowing he is starting to hit live pitching in the cages is a great first step. Atlanta will be careful with rushing him back to the field without feeling confident in his health.
Murphy's injury was unfortunate as he looked great at the end of Spring Training. He will be a welcome sight for the Braves once he can return. Chadwick Tromp and Travis d'Arnaud have done a great job in his absence.
Former Braves starter has important message about mental health
Former Atlanta Braves starter Kyle Wright shared an important message to raise awareness for mental health. May is known as Mental Health Awareness Month, and since its inception in 1949, it has been seen as a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions.
According to the website of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, This year's campaign is "celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with the Take the Moment campaign. We encourage you to join us in fostering open dialogues, cultivating empathy and understanding. We also urge you to share our resources to support individuals and families on their journey towards mental wellness."
As a professional athlete, it’s important for your mental health to remain grounded in who you are off the field. Kyle Wright does so by keeping up his non-baseball interests like golf, video games, movies, and of course, spending time with family and friends. #MentalHealthMonth pic.twitter.com/voeHcrrjGw
— MLBPA (@MLBPA) May 8, 2024
Kyle Wright shared his love of golf, video games, movies, and spending time with his family and friends. He understands that being a professional athlete can be extremely daunting for anyone's mental well-being.
It's great to see Wright champion such a great cause and remind fans that it's important to find things to get your mind off the tough moments we all experience in life.