The Daily Chop: NL East lead, Freddie Freeman contract, Marcell Ozuna and more

It wasn’t pretty and it certainly wasn’t easy, but the Atlanta Braves outlasted the Washington Nationals 7-6 in 10 innings Thursday night to come away with a much-needed series win. Coupled with losses by the Phillies and the Mets, the Braves extended their NL East lead to 3.5 games over Philadelphia and 5.0 games over New York. Atlanta will continue its homestand Friday when they open a three-game series against the Miami Marlins.

Braves News

• The Braves have handed out contract extensions to Travis d’Arnaud and Charlie Morton in recent weeks but one big name remains on Alex Anthopoulos’ to do list. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports that Freddie Freeman and the Braves are discussing a new deal but that a gap remains. However, the expectation is still that he ends up back in Atlanta.
• There has been long periods of inconsistent play in 2021 but several Braves players have put up some impressive numbers.
• Marcell Ozuna appeared in court virtually Thursday and agreed to a diversion program in his domestic violence case.
• Jorge Soler has been a perfect fit for the Braves since he was acquired from the Royals.

Braves Podcasts

MLB News

• Red Sox outfielder Hunter Renfroe caused a stir Thursday when he said on a radio interview that MLB told the team to stop testing for COVID-19 and to just manage the symptoms.

“MLB basically told us to stop the testing and just treat the symptoms,” Renfroe said earlier Thursday on WEEI’s “Merloni and Fauria” show. “And we were like, ‘No, we’re going to figure out what’s going on and keep trying to keep this thing under control.’

The league quickly refuted Renfroe’s claim saying that he was “completely inaccurate.” The Red Sox also issued a statement saying that the team has been following MLB COVID-19 protocols all season.

• MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports that Sandy Alderson is unlikely to stick with a full time baseball operations role beyond this season. Alderson signed a two-year deal as the team’s President Baseball Operations to help ease the transition to Steve Cohen’s ownership. The team will likely be looking for a full time GM following interim GM Zack Scott’s recent DWI arrest.
• The Dodgers designated veteran reliever Neftali Feliz for assignment Thursday afternoon and reinstated starter Tony Gonsolin from the injured list. Feliz tossed three scoreless innings with the Dodgers.
• The New York Yankees placed right-hander Jameson Taillon on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a right ankle tendon injury. The team is hoping that he will just miss one start with the injury.
• One pitcher that won’t be returning to the Yankees this season is Zach Britton who had Tommy John surgery Thursday and will be out until at least the end of the 2022 season.
• Cardinals lefty Wade LeBlanc has been shut down for the remainder of the season and is expected to undergo a procedure on his left elbow in the near future.