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The first domino fell on Tuesday when the Atlanta Braves promoted top outfield prospect Cristian Pache to the major leagues. The move came as a result of Nick Markakis being placed on the COVID injured list but Pache was already knocking on the door and given Ender Inciarte’s struggles in center, was poised to make his debut sooner than later.
The Braves to this point have been able to weather the storm despite a season-ending injury to Mike Soroka along with underperformance by several key players, particularly in the rotation. The thought is out there that Atlanta is on the lookout for rotation upgrades but it remains to be seen what is feasible and available in an unusual 2020 season that will feature expanded playoffs.
If there are limited trade options, then the Braves may be forced to look internally for upgrades and they have some options. Pache was the most obvious choice and he arrived on Tuesday and should see ample playing time in an effort to establish himself. Ian Anderson and Tucker Davidson are two on the pitching front that shouldn’t be too far behind either.
More Braves News
News broke late on Tuesday that the Braves were calling up outfield prospect Cristian Pache. The news broke late and seemed odd and we found out why a short time later when it was announced that Nick Markakis had been placed on the COVID IL after he was potentially exposed to COVID-19. Markakis has so far tested negative but the team is taking no chances and will keep Markakis away from the team for now.
The Braves had their chances but a four-run fifth by the Nationals was their undoing in an 8-5 loss.
MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds had their game with the Kansas City Royals cancelled on Tuesday due to COVID-19 concerns after a Reds player recently tested positive. Both teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Wednesday.
The biggest story from Tuesday shouldn’t have been a story at all. Fernando Tatis Jr. homered twice to help the Padres to a 14-4 win over the Rangers Monday night. Tatis’ second homer was a grand slam that came on a 3-0 pitch in the eighth inning despite receiving a take sign from his manager Jayce Tingler. The Rangers were not happy with the situation with reliever Ian Gibaut throwing behind Manny Machado who was the next hitter up. Rangers manager Chris Woodward also voiced his displeasure after the game. Gibaut and Woodward were both suspended one game by Major League Baseball on Tuesday for throwing at Machado.
Major League Baseball has reportedly begun creating an operations manual outlining the procedures necessary for a neutral-site bubble setup for the 2020 postseason.
Injury News
Padres reliever Kirby Yates received a second opinion on his injured elbow on Monday and appears to be headed for season-ending surgery.
The Astros placed Yordan Alvarez on the 10-day injured list with discomfort in his right knee. Alvarez underwent an MRI on Monday that showed no damage to his knee.
The Tampa Bay Rays will be without top pitching prospect Brendan McKay for the rest of the season as he is scheduled to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery on Tuesday.
The New York Mets scratched David Peterson from his scheduled start and placed him on the injured list due to left shoulder fatigue. The team recalled Corey Oswalt from their alternate training site to make the start in place of Peterson.
Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant received an injection in his injured wrist and will sit the next two days. The team is hoping they will be able to get him back in the lineup on Friday.