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We all need to keep in mind just how quickly things can change and how Major League Baseball’s shortened season has heightened that situation. The Atlanta Braves came into Sunday’s doubleheader struggling offensively but broke out in a big way behind strong performances by Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman.
Acuña homered as part of a five run fifth in game one of the doubleheader then crushed two more in game two. Freeman went 6-for-8 Sunday and finished a single shy of the cycle in Game 2.
As far as Acuña goes, he has shown signs of late of shaking out of his slow start and was able to bust out in a big way Sunday.
Acuña's single-day tear is a fresh reminder of how quickly small sample data can change. He looked lost at the plate to start the year, with a 34 wRC+ over his first eight games.
— Devan Fink (@DevanFink) August 9, 2020
Nine games later, he now has a 154 wRC+, higher than both his 2018 and 2019 marks.
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Cole Hamels is still about a month away from being eligible to return but is reportedly progressing and could throw a bullpen session this week.
Atlanta activated reliever Robbie Erlin prior to Sunday’s doubleheader and optioned Chad Sobotka. Sobotka stuck around as the 29th man for the doubleheader and closed out game two.
MLB News
The Cleveland Indians sent pitcher Zach Plesac home to Cleveland after they discovered that he had violated MLB’s health and safety protocols by going out in Chicago Saturday night. Plesac will be required to quarantine for at least three days and be tested daily before the team will decide how to proceed.
Lengthy suspensions are probably coming for the Athletics after benches cleared during the seventh inning of Sunday’s game against the Astros.
The Yankees placed outfielder Giancarlo Stanton on the 10-day injured list Sunday due to a left hamstring strain.
The Reds placed infielder Mike Moustakas on the 10-day injured list with a bruised left quad.
The Pirates placed Phillip Evans on the 45-day injured list after he sustained a concussion, a fractured jaw and injuries to the face and mouth after colliding with fellow outfielder Gregory Polanco.
Mets starter Michael Wacha is headed to the 10-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. Wacha complained of shoulder discomfort following his last start against the Marlins on Friday.
Former Braves reliever Cory Gearrin is back in the majors after he had his contract selected by the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. Gearrin signed a minor-league deal with Minnesota back in February.
Finally, Sunday’s game between the Nationals and Orioles ended early after Washington’s ground crew had trouble unrolling the tarp during a rain delay. The Orioles were leading 5-2 when the game was suspended. It will resume on Friday at Camden Yards with the Nationals still operating as the home team.