Braves Preview: Offense looks to bounce back in second game against the Blue Jays

It was a tough series opener for the Atlanta Braves, as they were shutout for just the second time this season. The offense had probably the toughest night of the season, as they were shut down by Toronto’s Chris Bassitt. It was Bassitt’s second career shutout as he held the Braves to two hits in the Blue Jays 3-0 victory.

Unfortunately Friday’s loss was the continuation of a trend of bad baseball for the Braves when they cross paths with Toronto. The Blue Jays have now won seven straight versus Atlanta, with the last Braves win coming in the 2020 Covid shortened season. Hopefully, Bryce Elder and company can end that streak and get a victory over a very good Blue Jays team this afternoon.

Braves vs. Blue Jays Pitching Matchup

Bryce Elder will bring his sub two ERA (1.74 ERA to be exact) into Saturday afternoons contest with the Blue Jays. Elder wasn’t exactly sparkling in his last outing, as he scattered four walks and four hits over 5.1 innings of work. Although, just as he has all season he found a way to limit damage and held the Orioles to one run. As you can guess Edler will be facing Toronto for the first time, so no one on the Blue Jays roster has had an AB against Mr. Elder.

The Blue Jays will trot out Jose Berrios to the mound (3-3, 4.91 ERA). Even though his traditional numbers aren’t eye popping, Berrios does seem to be pitching better to begin the 2023 season. Berrios currently sports an xFIP of 3.32 which would be the lowest of his career. Three of his last four starts has seen Berrios work into the seventh inning, including his most recent outing where he went 6.1 innings of two run ball against the Pirates.

This will be the first time the Braves have faced Berrios in a Blue Jays uniform, as all of their other history came when he was in Minnesota. Matt Olson has the most ABs against Berrios with 19, and along with that comes a successful .316 batting average with one homer. Ronald Acuña Jr. enjoyed his limited action against Berrios, as he is 3-3 with one home run.

How to watch Braves vs. Blue Jays

Date/Time/Location: 5/13/23 at 3:07 PM EST at Rogers Centre

TV: Bally Sports Southeast

Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan