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Atlanta Braves News
Braves take series win with 5-4 victory over Nationals
The Braves homered four times to help themselves to a 5-4 win over the Washington Nationals. The win extends Atlanta’s winning streak to nine straight overall and increases their NL East division lead to 10 full games.
Nick Markakis, Ender Inciarte progressing in return from injury
Nick Markakis and Ender Inciarte are progressing in their return from injury. Markakis is set to participate in a sim game next week and could be activated as soon as next weekend according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. Inciarte’s return is less certain but he has started to ramp up his activity and told reporters on Saturday that he is confident that he will be back before the end of the regular season.
MLB News
Javier Baez has thumb fracture; return TBD
More bad news for the Chicago Cubs. An MRI exam revealed a hairline fracture in Javier Baez’s left thumb. He will see a hand specialist on Monday where a timeline for his return will be established. Baez suffered the injury last Sunday on a stolen base. The discomfort persisted all week prompting the MRI exam.
Pineda suspended 60 games for positive test
Twins starter Michael Pineda was given a 60-game suspension on Saturday for testing positive for hydrochlorothiazide which is a diuretic that is violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension is effective immediately and rules Pineda out for the playoffs.
Springer could return to Astros’ lineup Sunday
Houston outfielder George Springer is likely to return to the Astros’ lineup on Sunday for the first time since he was carted off the field this past Tuesday. Springer hit his head on the wall while flagging down a fly ball off the bat of Ryan Braun in Tuesday’s game. He has undergone testing and was available off the bench on Saturday.
Mets activate Lowrie for first time this season
The New York Mets activated infielder Jed Lowrie from the injured list on Saturday. Lowrie signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Mets this past offseason but has spent the entire season on the injured list due to leg and left-side injuries that began in spring training.