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Cristian Pache made his Major League debut for the Atlanta Braves earlier this week but his stay may be a short one. Pache was out fo the lineup for the second straight day on Sunday and despite a lot of angst on social media, this may have been the plan all along. MLB.com’s Mark Bowman pointed out Sunday that the Braves were not planning to promote Pache until Nick Markakis was forced onto the COVID-IL. That forced Atlanta’s hand as Pache was the only non-catcher position player on the 40-man roster.
I’m just looking for offense,” Snitker answered when asked about Pache being absent from the lineup. “You’ve got a guy like Matt Adams sitting at DH. That’s the basic reason. Pache is up here to help out late in the game defensively until Ronald gets back.
Ronald Acuña Jr. was slated to take batting practice with the team prior to Sunday’s game against the Phillies. If he reports no issues on Monday, then he may be activated in time for Tuesday’s series opener with the Yankees. Acuña’s return will likely mean that Pache is headed back to the alternate site at least for now.
One more thing to keep an eye on during Monday’s off day is the Braves’ pitching plans for Tuesday. They have yet to announce a starter and top pitching prospect Ian Anderson is lined up after throwing at the alternate site on Thursday. Snitker wasn’t ready to name a starter before Sunday’s game but said that Sunday night’s game wouldn’t influence the decision and that the team may announce on Monday.
More Braves News
The Braves put together another ninth inning rally but came up just short as Dansby Swanson was thrown out at the plate in a 5-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
The New York Yankees are expected to have outfielder Aaron Judge back in their lineup in time for Tuesday’s series opener in Atlanta.
MLB News
Major League Baseball announced Sunday that the MLB Little League Classic will return in 2021 and will feature the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels squaring off at Historic Bowman Field on Sunday, August 22.
The Miami Marlins placed catcher Francisco Cervelli on the seven-day injured list after he suffered a concussion on Saturday. It is Cervelli’s seventh documented concussion while in the major leagues.
White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu tied a MLB record by homering in a fourth straight at-bat Sunday against the Cubs. Abreu launched six homers in the series with two Friday, three Saturday and one Sunday.
The San Francisco Giants designated outfielder Hunter Pence for assignment to clear a roster spot for infielder Daniel Robertson who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.
Finally, a rare signed Mike Trout rookie card sold for more than $3.9 million breaking the record of $3.12 million set by the legendary T206 Honus Wagner card in 2016.