Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop, Box Score, Ozzie Albies Sent Down To Mississippi

Baseball Reference

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: The Atlanta Braves were taken down by the red-hot Cleveland Indians last night and this week.  The Indians are currently on a 11 game winning streak and having their hitting and pitching clicking.  The Braves played them competitively, but weren’t able to win a game in the series.  For a full recap, check out Colby’s post from last night.

Braves lose 3-0

ESPN

Braves’ new ballpark set to open April 13 vs. Padres

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Yes, April 13, 2017 seems like a long time away, but just like everything else, it will be here before we know it.  The 2017 MLB schedule is not yet finalized, but word broke yesterday that the Braves would host the Padres on this date for the first game at the new SunTrust Park.  This ESPN article does mention at the end that new ballparks usually host exhibition games prior to the season starting – so it’s possible the Braves vs Padres game will be the first game that counts, but not the first one played.  Anyway, you should plan on keeping this date, which is a Thursday, open.

The Atlanta Braves are scheduled to open SunTrust Park on April 13, 2017, against the San Diego Padres, according to a copy of the team’s preliminary schedule obtained by The Associated Press.

The 2017 schedule, which is tentative and subject to change, has the Braves opening the season with a three-game series at the New York Mets on April 3, then going to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a three-game series. Atlanta also has a two-game series at the Miami Marlins before heading home for the Thursday opener against the Padres, the start of a four-game series.

Teams opening new ballparks often host exhibition games at the new stadiums before opening day, and it is possible the Braves could schedule some at SunTrust ahead of the regular season.

MiLB

Rome’s Fried posts six zeros to cap hot June

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: The Atlanta Braves number nine overall prospect left-handed pitcher, Max Fried, is on his way folks.  The 22-year-old missed all of the 2015 season because of undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2014.  In 2016, during the month of June he has a 4-1 record, with a 1.29 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 35 strikeouts and 10 walks in 28 innings pitched.  He’s currently pitching for the Rome Braves – the Braves Single-A affiliate – but could be promoted to Double-A later this season.  The Braves received the 6’4″ 185 lefty from San Diego in 2014 in exchange for Justin Upton and right-handed pitcher Aaron Northcraft.  Atlanta also received Jace Peterson, Mallex Smith and Dustin Peterson in this trade.

"Max Fried’s dream of pitching in the Majors hit home this week as he watched his best friend, Lucas Giolito, step onto the game’s biggest stage Tuesday night.“Obviously, it makes me have that competitive edge a little bit more,” he said of watching his former Harvard-Westlake High School teammate take the mound for the Nationals. “I want to pitch against him in the big leagues. I want to put on a big league uniform with him on the other side. That’d be so much fun because we both hate losing. We’re both so competitive. All of that seems a little more real that he’s there, but I just need to focus on my craft if I’m going to make it happen.”One day later, Fried produced an outing that should help him get closer to achieving that goal.Atlanta’s No. 9 prospect allowed just two hits and two walks while matching a career high with nine strikeouts over six innings as Class A Rome beat Kannapolis, 4-0, at Intimidators Stadium on Wednesday.“I don’t want to put it on surgery,” he said. “I’m kinda far enough past that point. I’m just pitching and completing like everyone else. Maybe in my first month, there was something there. But in my mind, I’m 100 percent healthy. I’m not making any excuses and just want to battle through.”"

Outside Pitch MLB

Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson selected for 2016 Futures Game

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: BIG NEWS THIS MORNING: Ozzie Albies will return to the Mississippi Braves.  After a hot start with Gwinnett, Albies was currently .248/.307/.351 in his 56 games there.  Swanson and Albies will once again play ball with each other…something we haven’t seen since Spring Training.  I’m guessing the Braves theory with this is let these guys grow together in a league where they can dominate and then promote together.  Though caught off guard originally, I think this is a great move.  Albies batted .369/.442/.512 during his 22 games in Mississippi earlier this season.  Swanson is currently hitting .254/.335/.401 in his 49 games with the Mississippi Mudcats.  The Mudcats are currently playing the Jackson Generals — the Seattle Mariners affiliate – which are located in Jackson, Tennessee.  We’ll have to wait and see which position these guys are slotted in at, but I’m guessing Ozzie will be at second and Dansby will stay at short.  Albies has been playing 2B since June 5 for Gwinnett. Mississippi and Jackson play tonight at 7pm ET.

This Tuesday, full rosters were announced for the 2016 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game. Always a fan favorite, the annual showcase of premium prospects from across the league again appears loaded with talent. Featured on the U.S. team is Atlanta Braves shortstop prospect Dansby Swanson.

In addition to Swanson, viewers will be treated to Yoan Moncada and Andrew Benintendi of the Boston Red Sox, Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros, Clint Frazier of the Cleveland Indians, and many, many more exciting, up and coming prospects. With at least one representative from every team, fans from all over Major League Baseball will have reason to tune in and get a glimpse at the future of their favorite franchise.

The game will be held at Petco Park in San Diego on Sunday, July 10, two days before the Major League All-Star game on July 12.