Max Fried turned in another stellar performance Wednesday.
At various points throughout the season it seemed improbable, but the Atlanta Braves need just one more win, or a Phillies loss, to clinch a fourth straight division title. Atlanta downed the Phillies 7-2 Wednesday night as Max Fried outdueled Aaron Nola. Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley combined for five hits and drove in five runs in the win.
It has been a remarkable and at times frustrating season, but it now appears that they will end up where most expected. They were five games under .500 and eight games back in the division on June 16. Injuries to Ronald Acuña Jr and Mike Soroka gave them every reason to throw in the towel. There is still work to be done, but it has been a remarkable turnaround no matter how you look at it.
Braves News
- Prior to Wednesday’s game, Brian Snitker talked about the grind of the 2021 season and how the new additions at the trade deadline gave the team a significant lift.
- Our final mailbag of the regular season includes thoughts on Joc Pederson’s role, the playoff rotation, Dansby Swanson, the bullpen and more. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions this season.
- Shea Langeliers and Bryce Elder were named as the Braves’ Minor League Players of the Year Tuesday. They spoke with the media about their success in 2021 and how they are planning to approach their offseason.
MLB News
- The Milwaukee Brewers got some bad news Wednesday after reliever Devin Williams was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a fractured right hand. Williams suffered the injury punching a wall following Sunday’s win over the Mets.
- Oakland shortstop Elvis Andrus underwent successful surgery Wednesday and the club hopes that he will be ready for the beginning of Spring Training. Andrus fractured his left fibula while scoring the game-winning run last Saturday.
- The Houston Astros activated outfielder Michael Brantley from the injured list. Brantley had been out with a sore right knee since September 11.
- Not really a surprise but Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he has no plans to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract this offseason.
- The Marlins and pitcher Sandy Alcantara are growing more optimistic about a potential contract extension. Talks between the two sides have been ongoing.
- The Kansas City Royals and outfielder Michael A. Taylor reached an agreement on a two-year, $9 million contract extension.
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