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Atlanta Braves baseball returned Sunday and while it wasn’t the greatest game or result, it is sure good to have baseball back. The game itself, a 9-7 walk-off loss to the Rays, wasn’t a thing of beauty, but Grapefruit League openers seldom are. Still it was a beautiful sunny day in Port Charlotte and around 1,100 fans were allowed into the stadium which is a reminder that better days are ahead.
Kyle Wright got the start for Atlanta and the final line wasn’t pretty but both he and manager Brian Snitker were happy with where he is at following the outing. Non-roster reliever Carl Edwards Jr. looked good in a scoreless inning and struck out consensus No. 1 prospect Wander Franco. Offensively, Austin Riley and Dansby Swanson each drove in runs. A number of top prospects including Drew Waters and Shea Langeliers saw action. Waters walked and stole a base while Langeliers showed off his cannon behind the plate nabbing a would be base stealer. There is a long way to go and there will be plenty of time for analysis, but Sunday, it was just great to be listening to baseball again.
More Braves News
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman runs down five key questions facing the Braves as the Grapefruit League season begins.
Our season preview continued Sunday with a look eight position player prospects that we could see in 2021.
Braves Podcasts
Grant McAuley is joined by former Brave and current Fox Sports broadcaster Paul Byrd to preview Atlanta’s rotation options for the 2021 season.
MLB News
Noah Syndergaard’s rehab from Tommy John surgery is progressing well and he remains on target for a 2021 return.
The Kansas City Royals are reportedly finalizing a contract extension with third baseman Hunter Dozier. The deal will be a four-year pact that includes a fifth year option. The base value is reportedly worth $25 million with the fifth year worth $10 million. There are also various escalators and bonuses that could bring the total value to $49 million over the full contract.