Padres vs. Braves preview: Can Atlanta stay hot against San Diego?

After a woeful start to the 2017 season, the Atlanta Braves have awakened and at least part of that rebound is due to the presence of the San Diego Padres. Freddie Freeman and company reeled off three consecutive wins over San Diego to begin the team’s run at SunTrust Park and, on Monday evening, the Braves will look to slam the door a four-game sweep that will help to form a five-game winning streak.

Jaime Garcia takes the ball for the Braves in this spot and he will be looking to build on what has been a rocky start. The talented left-hander has allowed eight runs (seven earned) in 11 innings of work since arriving in Atlanta and that mark goes along with four strikeouts and four walks. In short, Garcia needs to be better and San Diego’s relatively impotent offense could be a cure.

In opposition, the Padres will send veteran and former All-Star Jered Weaver to the mound. While his name may bring about memories, Weaver (now 34) is not the same pitcher at this point in time. He brings a lack of velocity to the table and, even with requisite craft, Weaver can only be considered a middling starter at best at this point. On the season, he has allowed six earned runs in 11 innings and it will be interesting to see if the Braves can ding him up in this spot.

Atlanta will face a non-Padres team for the first time at SunTrust Park on Tuesday evening but, before that, the Braves have a nice opportunity to reach the .500 mark on the season. Stay tuned throughout the day for all the latest.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Monday, April 17, 2017, 7:35 pm ET

Location: SunTrust Park, Atlanta, GA

TV: Fox Sports South, MLB.tv (streaming)

Radio: 680 AM, 93.7 FM (Flagship in Atlanta), WYAY 106.7, Braves Radio Network