The Atlanta Braves head to St. Louis after taking a series from one of the best teams in baseball in the Yankees. Despite what the New York broadcast team thinks, the Braves offense will roll into St. Louis on a much higher note.
With that week of winning baseball from the Atlanta Braves a few key developments may have slipped through the cracks for most fans. But don't worry, we'll catch you up on all the latest newsworthy moments in this story here.
Mets star closer suspended for ten games
If you went to bed early last night you may have missed the Sunday night baseball game between the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. The Mets were leading 5-2 entering the ninth, when star closer Edwin Diaz jogged in for the save.
However, Diaz never got to throw a pitch, as the umpiring crew ejected him for what they claimed to be a sticky substance on his hand. Umpire Vic Carapazza described the sticky substance as "discolored" and certainly not rosin or sweat.
Edwin Diaz was ejected for an illegal substance as soon as he entered the game pic.twitter.com/9HPqTqbyHP
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 24, 2024
In his postgame comments, Diaz claimed the sticky substance was the normal amount of sweat and rosin he typically uses in every game. Diaz now faced the automatic ten-game suspension that comes with an ejection for using sticky stuff. Diaz said postgame he is unsure on whether or not he will appeal the suspension.
Minter works scoreless frame in first rehab action
Key bullpen piece, A.J. Minter was placed on the injured list in late May with hip inflammation. Thankfully, the Braves have a deep enough bullpen that they could withstand a loss like Minter's for a month.
Over the weekend we got signs that Minter could be inching closer to a return. Minter made his first rehab appearance on Saturday with the High-A Rome Emperors. Although it was just one inning of work, Minter looked great as he registered three strikeouts in his scoreless effort.
Minter will likely make a few more rehab outings before returning to the big league club. Although there's no official timetable from the team, our best guess is Minter returns to Atlanta in early July.
Jarred Kelenic loving the leadoff spot
The Braves have been searching for an answer as to who bats leadoff since their superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. went down with his season-ending injury. Atlanta began by platooning Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies.
Unfortunately that platoon was short-lived, as MH2 went down with a grade 2 hamstring strain just over a week ago. Since then, Atlanta has turned to Jarred Kelenic's services at both leadoff and center field.
“My job is to just get on base. I have so many aircraft carrier guys behind me, so just getting on first base I’m in scoring position with those guys.”
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 17, 2024
Jarred Kelenic discusses his mentality hitting in the leadoff position🔊 pic.twitter.com/f4gUBohZEC
Kelenic seems to have settled into the leadoff role very well, as the past week of results have been super encouraging. Since Kelenic was inserted into the top spot of the order on June 15, he owns a .324/.351/.647 slash line. He accompanies that impressive line with three homers, .417 wOBA, 172 wRC+, and average exit velocity of 90.9 mph.