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BRAVES NEWS
Braves bludgeon Pirates 15-1 as young players stand out
Mike Foltynewicz threw four scoreless innings while the Braves’ offense flexed its muscles in a 15-1 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dustin Peterson and Dansby Swanson each homered while Ronald Acuna was 2-for-2 at the plate and reached base four times.
Folty’s spring success bodes well for rotation
Foltynewicz spring couldn’t have gotten off to a better start and MLB.com’s Joey Johnson writes that it is good news for the Atlanta Braves. Folty has made three spring appearances and is yet to allow a run in nine innings. He pitched out of a jam during the first inning of Saturday’s win over the Pirates.
“I’m not reading into the stats too much,’’ Foltynewicz said. “We’re trying to work on things, getting my fastball where I need it, inside, outside.
”But to have them [get some baserunners] and not score, that was encouraging. When they had runners on second and third, something came over me and I told myself, ‘They’re not going to score.’ It’s great to pitch with that kind of confidence. I was able to get up four times [innings] and get deeper into the game. That’s a positive.’’
‘Total package’: Acuna putting skills on display
Ronald Acuna raised his spring average to .433 on Saturday with two more hits while reaching base four times. Acuna has had an impressive spring and although he may ultimately begin the season in Triple-A, he has left his mark on the Braves and manager Brian Snitker.
“He has done exactly what everybody thought he would do coming in,’’ Braves manager Brian Snitker said.
”He has caught my eye for the in-at-bat adjustments he has made. Defensively, he has made a couple of incredible catches in the gap. One was on the first batter of the game, and it was the kind of play that could save you a game or put you in a position where you’re not having to catch up.
”He’s the total package. He’s going to be an exciting player for a lot of years.’’
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MLB NEWS
Twins sign Lance Lynn to 1-year deal
The Minnesota Twins have landed free agent starter Lance Lynn on a one year, $12 million deal that also reportedly includes up to $2 million more in incentives.