The Daily Chop: Loss to Pirates, Fried exposed to COVID, Wilson guns for rotation, and more

The last time Braves fans saw Bryse Wilson, he was shoving six innings of one-run ball against the eventual World Series champions. On Thursday, he made his first appearance of 2021, earning a spring start against the Pirates. Wilson looked the part, firing two scoreless innings in a loss as he looks to build on the momentum of his incredible playoff performance. If Wilson can harness that command more greater frequency, he could become a fixture in the Braves rotation in the future.

Braves News

Max Fried possibly exposed to COVID-19; will not start on Friday

Max Fried had his spring debut postponed due to a possible COVID exposure, though the left-hander has not tested positive.

The Athletic’s David O’Brien also reported that Snitker said the team plans to “lay low” with Fried for a couple days. This reporting seems to indicate that Fried should be back and available to resume his preparation for the season in a few days as long as he continues to test negative for the virus.

Wilson hoping to land Braves’ rotation spot

An effective Bryse Wilson would be a welcome addition to the starting rotation for Atlanta. As noted above, he performed incredibly well on the largest stage, so Wilson’s fortitude is hardly in question.

MLB News

Inaugural Lou Gehrig Day set for June 2

Like Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente, Lou Gehrig will now have a date dedicated to his honor. Major League Baseball announced on Thursday that June 2nd will now be known as “Lou Gehrig Day” around the league.

Brewers, JBJ agree to 2-year deal (source)

Among free agents who had yet to sign, you could have made a pretty good argument that Jackie Bradley, Jr. was the best position who remained unsigned. That changed on Thursday as the Brewers signed him to a two-year deal.

1 of these aces will be the ‘21 strikeout king

Who will it be?

Here is each team’s top future slugger

Braves fans will surely approve of this choice.