Atlanta Braves news and links - 7/20

Braves News:

Braves' bats come up short in loss to Cubs

Just a day after failing to post a run against the Chicago Cubs, the Braves were barely able to brake that barrier on Sunday night in a 4-1 loss in Atlanta. Jake Arrieta (who has quietly become one of the most dominant starters league-wide) went seven strong innings, striking out 10 and allowing just three hits. Atlanta scored their one run of the game off of former Brave James Russell in the ninth inning, but it was too little too late. Atlanta was 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position (four of their five hits were doubles). Shelby Miller pitched six innings and gave up just on earned run, but with little to no offense, there was no hope for the Braves.

Hawaii's best fight for shot with the Braves

When you think of Hawaii, what do you think of? Surfing? Vacationing? How about baseball? Maybe not, but Brave's area scouting supervisor Dan Cox hosted and scouted a workout session with 139 of Hawaii's best baseball players. Drills included fielding drills, 60-yard dash, bullpen sessions and batting practice. Former New York Yankees outfielder Bronson Sardinha was in attendance, and loved what it does for his state:

"You see that with all the guys up there, the Kolten Wongs, the Suzukis, the Victorinos. The more we can come together as a family, as an island and do what’s best for the kids. That’s what’s gonna put a big smile on my face."

Freeman slowly working his way back from injury

There is still no ETA for the stud first-baseman's return, but Freddie Freeman has begun the rehab process that has kept him out of the lineup since mid-June. Freeman took some swings on Sunday, and had some fluid drained from his wrist as well. The plan is for him to be re-evaluated on Sunday night to see how he's handled heading forward.

Minor news:

.@Braves top prospect Lucas Sims @LSims_ has been promoted to Double-A @MBraves from @CarolinaMudcats. RHP Jorge Reyes to the DL. #MBraves

— Mississippi Braves (@mbraves) July 19, 2015

The 2012 first-rounder is on his way to Double-A Missipssippi. With Single-A Carolina, he posted a 5.18 ERA in 40.0 innings pitched.

MLB News:

Trade rumors around the league

12 days, people. 12 days until the July 31st trade deadline, which could potentially see a number of names changing uniforms. Two of them, as noted by Sports Illustrated, were members of the Atlanta Braves just months ago: Justin Upton and Craig Kimbrel. The 27-year-old Upton has been linked to the Baltimore Orioles and the Houston Astros, while the all-world closer has been linked to the New York Yankees, although ESPN's Buster Olney called it a "long shot".

Mets, Cardinals play the worst game in MLB history

Ok, well, maybe not the worst in MLB history, but it was a rough one. Sunday's St. Louis Cardinals-New York Mets game went a whopping 18 innings. The game was actually scoreless until the 13th inning until the Mets broke things open in the top of the inning (the Cardinals, of course, tied things up in the bottom). The Mets left 25 men on base, while the Cardinals left 14 on. Lucas Duda went 0-for-7 with four strikeouts. Final time? Five hours, 55 minutes.