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The Braves were nearly dealt a no-hit shutout on Tuesday by the Pirates, but narrowly avoided both as they scratched across one hit and one run in the final frame. Granted, that frame was the seventh, but the point stands. The offense was bad, as was Braves starter Drew Smyly, who allowed five runs on eight hits in two innings. Nothing improved afterward and somehow the Pirates managed to collect 17 hits in this game. That last bit seems legitimately impossible but whatever, it’s March and nothing matters yet.
Braves News
Max Fried will make spring debut Wednesday
The rotation ace makes his spring debut on Wednesday, looking to improve upon the Braves’ putrid showing from Tuesday.
Inbox: Who will be the Braves’ closer?
Mark Bowman answers fan questions, including one centered on the closer role in Atlanta. Mark Melancon took his talents to San Diego, which leaves some uncertainty.
Albies scratched from lineup versus Pirates
A stiff neck kept Albies sidelined against the Pirates on Tuesday.
MLB News
These prospects are early Statcast standouts
Which prospects have posted the best Statcast data thus far?
Strasburg’s fastball ‘better than last time’
A scary thought for opposing batters.
Bryant and Co. free to be ‘a little selfish’
David Ross is instilling a unique mindset into his team this spring. These conversations generally happen in private, but he wants his players to be a little selfish and get their numbers. Honestly, good for him and the Cubs. Being selfish at the plate, to the extent that players aren’t ignoring hit-and-runs or anything, would seem like a perfectly reasonable approach.