:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65334193/usa_today_13229506.0.jpg)
Atlanta Braves News:
Ozzie Albies leading the way for Braves
After suffering through a second half swoon in 2018, Ozzie Albies has put all of the doubts behind him with a breakout performance in 2019.
Playoff rankings: Breaking down the bullpens
MLB.com’s Richard Justice ranks the bullpens of 11 postseason teams. Despite the mid-season additions of Shane Greene, Mark Melancon and Chris Martin, the Braves come in at No. 10 ahead of only the Nationals. Tampa Bay tops the list and is followed by the Yankees.
SunTrust Park is filled with Braves history — you just need to know where to find it
An inside look by the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Ben Brasch at the many historical items that are scattered throughout SunTrust Park and Monument Garden.
NL Central/Wild Card
With division on the line, Cards realign rotation
The Cardinals will enter this weekend’s series against the Cubs holding a one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central lead. St. Louis will alter its rotation given the importance of the series. Dakota Hudson will start on Friday as was originally planned. Adam Wainright will get the start on Saturday on regular rest with Miles Mikolas and Jack Flaherty possibilities for Sunday or a potential tie breaker game on Monday.
Cardinals’ right-hander Michael Wacha’s season may be over after he was forced to leave Wednesday’s game in the second inning due to a shoulder issue. Wacha was slated for an MRI and the injury could keep him off of St. Louis’ postseason roster.
MLB News
Moises Alou declines to join Padres’ managerial search
Moises Alou has taken himself out of consideration for the Padres open managerial position. Alou has been a special assistant for player development with San Diego since 2015 but however declined to interview for the vacant position reportedly due to family reasons. Several former managers have been mentioned as possibilities for the opening including Braves’ third base coach Ron Washington.
Theo Epstein plans to stay with Cubs
The Chicago Cubs will miss the postseason for the first time since 2014 but they won’t be looking for a new GM. Theo Epstein shot down any speculation that he might be looking elsewhere and is instead focused on returning Chicago to contender status.
Having a blast - Twins become 1st team to hit 300 HRs
Jonathan Schoop’s two-run home run on Thursday gave the Minnesota Twins 300 for the season. The Twins broke the all-time record of 267 which was set by the Yankees in 2018 earlier this season. In all, 13 major league teams have set their franchise record for homers in 2019.