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Braves News:
Garcia walks it off in the 12th
Adonis Garcia launched his third home run of the season in the 12th inning of Monday night's Braves-Giants game to give Atlanta their second win in a row. Jace Peterson proved to be the offensive catalyst for the Braves, going 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, and three RBI. A.J Pierzynski added a home run, part of his 4-for-6 night.
Breaking down Hector Olivera's contract
At the trade deadline, the Braves' main acquisition was Cuban import Hector Olivera, via Los Angeles. The 30-year-old, who has yet to see time in the majors, projects to be a plus-hitter with 25-30 home run power. But, like all players, money becomes the question? The Dodgers paid $62 million for him, but how much will the Braves be paying, and how does it affect their payroll heading forward? Our Scott Coleman takes a look:
Olivera will be paid approximately $33 million by Atlanta through 2020:
$2 million in 2015; Atlanta owes less than half.
$4 million in 2016
$6 million in 2017
$6.5 million in 2018
$7.5 million in 2019
$8.5 million in 2020
Freddie Freeman leaves game with injury
Freddie Freeman recently returned to action following a wrist injury which kept him out for a month. Getting him back in the lineup - healthy - is vital to getting Atlanta's offense up and running. In Monday's game against the Giants, Chris Johnson came in to replace Freeman at first base in the fifth inning. It was later reported that the first-baseman left the game with an oblique injury, and is day-to-day.
The Braves are sellers, and it's a rare sight
For the first time since 2008, the Braves were in a "sell mode" at the trade deadline. For a franchise which has, in the past 20+ years, been relatively successful and well run, down years are rare. Since the trade of Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe, the Braves are 3-8, the offense and pitching has struggled, and things don't seem to be getting any brighter this year. Maybe it's time to prepare for two more months of...this.
MLB News
Adrian Beltre hits for third career cycle
Adrian Beltre manages to solidify his future Hall of Fame status every single day, or at least it seems. On Monday, he smashed the second Rangers cycle of the season, and the third of Beltre's illustrious career. The third-baseman joins John Reilly, Babe Herman and Bob Muesel as the only players to hit for three cycles in their career.
David Price shines in Toronto debut
David Price joined the boys north of the border at last week's trade deadline, but Monday was his debut for the Toronto Blue Jays. The former Tiger and Ray pitched eight innings of one-run ball, with 11 strikeouts. For the Blue Jays, who are looking to make a playoff run, more quality starts like this will be much needed. Despite Price's solid start, it's still only the second biggest win for someone affiliated with Toronto on Monday (looking at you, Drake).