Braves News: Ozuna's historic night, Ian Anderson update, Schwellenbach's gem

The first half of the 2024 MLB season is quickly drawing to a close. It's been an up-and-down year for the Atlanta Braves to this point. However, there have been plenty of bright spots to talk about and we will cover some of those below.

Three-time All-Star Marcell Ozuna sets Braves franchise record

Marcell Ozuna has been the most consistent hitter for the Atlanta Braves since May of 2023. He was the best thing to watch on the field for the first couple of months as Atlanta's offense failed to find consistency.

He's found ways to get hits when the team needed it most and just looks like he's having the best time. The "Big Bear" has cemented himself as a cornerstone of the Braves clubhouse and vital to the team's success.

Ozuna added to that impressive resume during Friday's 6-1 win over the Padres. He launched two home runs and those hits etched his name in Braves franchise history. His first home run was his 24th of the season allowed him to surpass Andruw Jones for the most RBI by an Atlanta Brave before the All-Star break.

Marcell wasn't finished as he belted another homer later in the game which extended his record to 77 RBI before the All-Star break. It also tied him for an impressive mark with one of MLB's best and most powerful bats. Since 2020, only Aaron Judge and Marcell Ozuna have hit 25+ home runs and 75+ RBI in the first half of the season. Judge leads MLB and AL bats with 33 homers and 84 RBI while Ozuna leads the National League in RBI (77) and trails Ohtani for the NL lead in homers. It has been a season to remember for the now three-time All-Star.

Ian Anderson looks great during rehab start for Rome Emperors

It has been a long road to recovery for Braves right-hander Ian Anderson. He needed Tommy John surgery but is finally on the mend and making rehab starts in Atlanta's minor league system.

His most recent outing came for the Braves' High-A affiliate, the Rome Emperors. It was an impressive start for Anderson all things considered. He completed 4.2 innings allowing two runs on six hits with no walks and two strikeouts.

Anderson's over-the-top delivery looks good and his fastball velocity sat between 91 and 93 mph. His curveball looked a bit improved as he was able to throw it for strikes but he wasn't getting a lot of swing-and-miss. That's something the Braves will want to see improve before he makes his way back to an MLB mound.

Ian has pitched in four rehab games so far with the FCL Braves, Augusta GreenJackets, and Rome Emperors. He's completed 12. innings with a 2.19 ERA with one walk and 10 strikeouts. He will be a welcome sight for the Braves if he can regain his previous success.

Spencer is Schwell with a seven-inning gem for the Braves

Top Braves pitching prospect Spencer Schwellenbach has been a nice surprise for Atlanta fans. He has barely pitched in any professional baseball games and you can tell at times. However, he has learned fast and seems to be figuring things out.

He turned in his best start for the Braves thus far with an impressive seven-inning outing against the Padres. Schwellenbach allowed one run on three hits with one walk and three strikeouts. He worked out of jams and kept San Diego's talented lineup off balance.

Spencer said his recent success stems from not searching for strikeouts. Rather, he has chosen to "search for weak contact" instead. That strategy paid dividends for the young right-hander and could be the key to unlocking a nice season for himself.

The Braves don't need him to be perfect, they just need him to continue doing what he is right now, giving the team a chance to win every fifth day. His season ERA now sits at 4.43 through 44.2 innings with 10 walks and 41 strikeouts.

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