Atlanta Braves news and notes from Thursday.
The Atlanta Braves kick off another homestand in the form of a three-game set against the Texas Rangers. The Braves are coming off a successful 5-1 roadtrip, where the club improved to 12-5 on the season after a series win and a sweep.
The reigning World Series champion Rangers lead the American League West and own an 11-9 record. Much like the Braves, the Rangers have already battled some injury this season, which has called for some frustrating baseball. The Texas lineup has some pop, but the pitching thus far has been questionable.
The series gets underway tonight at 7:20 ET as Chris Sale gets the nod for Atlanta. Sale is penciled in for his fourth start in the Braves’ threads. He will take on Rangers left-hander Andrew Heaney, who had an unfortunate last start.
Game two is set for Saturday, April 20 at 7:20 ET with Charlie Morton on the bump for Atlanta. Morton has had some frustrating starts so far but looks to change the narrative in this one. He faces right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, who is also coming off a rough start.
The series finale will be played Sunday night at 7:10 ET. Darius Vines, who made his first start of the year on Monday, will get the ball for the Braves. The Rangers are sending out right-hander Michael Lorenzen, who also made his season debut on Monday.
The Braves aim to carry this week’s momentum into the homestand and increase the division lead.
More Braves News:
Ian Mejia dealt in Mississippi with nine strikeouts in six frames during his Wednesday outing. He surrendered just one run. More in the minor league recap.
Marcell Ozuna and Orlando Arcia are basically the best guys on the roster as of now. Let’s take a look at some of their stats.
MLB News:
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer may return from his herniated disc surgery sooner rather than later. Scherzer was scheduled to return in late June, but he announced that he will likely return in early May.
The Boston Red Sox acquired right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for cash considerations. The Brew Crew designated Gutierrez for assignment earlier this week.
After a collision in the outfield, the Boston Red Sox have placed Tyler O’Neill on the seven-day concussion injured list. The move is retroactive to April 16. Third baseman Rafael Devers, who he collided with, suffered a bruised left knee.
The Texas Rangers officially selected the contract of top pitching prospect Jack Leiter. He made his MLB debut on Thursday, where he struck out three in 3.2 frames.