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Atlanta Braves News
Braves rout Nationals, clinch playoff spot
The Atlanta Braves locked up their spot in the postseason Saturday with a 10-1 win over the Washington Nationals. Mike Foltynewicz turned in a strong performance on the mound while the offense broke out late to secure the win. The Braves reduced their magic number to clinch the NL East to four with the win and will go for a series sweep on Sunday.
Charlie Culberson leaves game after being hit in face by pitch
It wasn’t all great for the Braves on Saturday as Charlie Culberson had to be carted off the field after he was hit in the face by a pitch from Fernando Rodney. Culberson squared to bunt but the pitch rode up and in on him. He eventually got to his feet and was helped to the cart. Brian Snitker was later ejected after the umpiring crew ruled that Culberson offered at the pitch.
Brian Snitker on ejection, Charlie Culberson’s injury
Snitker didn’t have an update on Culberson during his postgame media session other than that he was alert and awake when he headed to the hospital.
MLB News
D-backs, GM Hazen agree on contract extension
With the Boston Red Sox circling in the distance, the Arizona Diamondbacks went ahead and locked up executive Vice President and general manager Mike Hazen with a contract extension. The two sides had been reportedly negotiating for a couple of weeks. The length of the extension is unknown but the thinking is that it will keep Hazen in Arizona for the foreseeable future.
Is the top FA Rendon or Cole? Execs weigh in
Who will be next offseason’s top free agent? Is it Astros right-hander Gerrit Cole or Nationals’ third baseman Anthony Rendon? MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand polled several front office executives to get their take.
Suzuki’s timeline to return to Nats unclear
Kurt Suzuki missed his sixth straight game on Saturday due to inflammation in his right elbow. He has however started to resume baseball activities but has still not been cleared to resume throwing.
The Los Angeles Angels will be without outfielder Justin Upton for the rest of the season due to patella tendinitis in his right knee. Upton will undergo a platelet-rich plasma injection next week and should be ready to resume working out in about six weeks. Upton has had endured an injury plagued season where he is hitting .215/.309/.416 with 12 home runs.
Yanks to activate Betances on Sunday
The New York Yankees will activate reliever Dellin Betances from the 60-day injured list prior to Sunday’s game against Toronto. Betances has missed the entire season with shoulder and lat injuries.