Braves News

Braves can’t solve Jacob deGrom in 7-3 loss to Mets

Atlanta was powerless against Mets starter Jacob DeGrom who allowed just five hits and one run over seven strong innings Saturday night. R.A. Dickey wasn’t as fortunate allowing five runs over five innings in a 7-3 loss. The two teams wrap up the series on Sunday.

Bo Porter is likely replacement if Braves don’t bring back Brian Snitker

FanRag’s Jon Heyman reported early this week that the Braves were evaluating their managerial position for 2018 and that it wasn’t a lock that Brian Snitker would return. If the Braves elect not to bring back Snitker, Heyman reports that the team will heavily consider Bo Porter and Ron Washington to replace him. The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo reports that Porter would have an edge over Washington.

Freeman closing in on another 30-HR campaign

Freddie Freeman hit his 27th home run Saturday night to pull closer to posting his second consecutive 30 homer season. More importantly for Atlanta is his resurgence at the plate since his comments saying he was losing strength in his wrist. Freeman has three homers in his last five games and has posted a 1.134 OPS since his “wet newspaper” comment.

Braves reliever Winkler impressive since return from gruesome elbow injury

Daniel Winkler has been impressive of late out of the Braves’ bullpen in what many ways feels like an audition for the 2018 season. Winkler told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s David O’Brien that he is no longer worried about his elbow and is just focused on getting outs. Brian Snitker told O’Brien that he is “blown away” with Winkler’s comeback.

“From what (Winkler) had to experience, that just blows me away, that a guy can come back from what he did anyway. I remembered him a couple of years ago, when I came up at the end of the year and he pitched a little bit coming off his Tommy John (surgery). You watch this kid and he’s very confident in what he’s doing. Seems like he slows the game down and knows what he’s doing.”

MLB News

Indians clinch AL Central

The Cleveland Indians wrapped up the AL Central for the second straight season on Saturday. The Indians defeated the Royals 8-4 and clinched several hours later after the Twins lost to the Blue Jays.

Cody Bellinger ties NL rookie home run record

Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger hit his 38th home run of the season on Saturday tying Wally Berger and Frank Robinson for the National League rookie record. Mark McGwire holds the Major League record for his 49 homer campaign in 1987.