Atlanta Braves news and notes from Thursday.
The Atlanta Braves wrap up the homestand with a three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians this weekend. The series will be a big test for the Braves, as the Guardians are one of the best teams in the league thus far. The Braves enter play with a 17-6 record and a 2.5 game advantage over the National League East. The Guardians enter the series with an 18-7 record and also have a 2.5 game lead over their division.
Game one gets underway tonight at 7:20 ET with Chris Sale on the bump. He will make his fifth start of the season after a couple extra rest days. He faces left-hander Logan Allen, who is set to make his first career appearance against the Braves.
The series continues on Saturday with Charlie Morton on the mound. Morton, who had a solid last start, is seeking his third win of the season. He faces right-hander Tanner Bibee, who will also face the Braves’ lineup for the first time. First pitch is set for 7:20 ET.
The series finale is at 1:35 ET on Sunday afternoon. Bryce Elder, who made his first start this week, will get the ball for the Braves. The Guardians turn to right-hander Ben Lively, who has put up some pretty poor numbers against the Braves in the past.
The Braves have been on a tear, going 9-1 in their last ten games. Hopefully, the good guys continue to stay hot and secure yet another series win.
More Braves News:
The Braves outrighted David Fletcher to Gwinnett in order to clear a roster spot for Ozzie Albies. Fletcher has appeared in five games for the Braves this season and gave the infield some security during Albies’ absence. Albies is eligible to be activated from the injured list today.
Right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver struck out seven on Wednesday down on the farm. More in the minor league recap.
Sean Murphy began to catch bullpens and throw after suffering an oblique strain at the end of March. He has yet to swing a bat, but is still looking at a late April/early May return.
MLB News:
The Houston Astros will activate left-hander Framber Valdez from the injured list on Sunday prior to their game in Mexico City. Valdez missed some time with elbow soreness.
The New York Yankees claimed Michael Tonkin off of waivers from the New York Mets. The Mets designated Tonkin for assignment earlier this week.
The A’s placed second baseman Zack Gelof on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain. The move is retroactive to April 24.
The Milwaukee Brewers placed left-hander Wade Miley on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. His first MRI was inconclusive, so he will undergo further testing.
The Toronto Blue Jays placed right-hander Bowden Francis on the 15-day injured list with tendinitis in his right forearm. In a corresponding move, the club recalled Brendon Little.
The Seattle Mariners placed shortstop J.P. Crawford on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain. Luckily, he is just dealing with a Grade 1 strain.
The Kansas City Royals placed right-hander Alec Marsh on the 15-day injured list with an elbow contusion. He took a line drive to the arm during Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have shut down right-hander Brusdar Graterol after experiencing discomfort in his arm. He was placed on the 60-day injured list early in the season and was eligible to be activated on May 18.