Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop, David Hale’s Return, Aaron Blair Injuried
By Jeff Schafer
Blair makes precautionary exit after comebacker
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: This absolutely sucks for Aaron Blair as he was given the opportunity to show what he’s been working on this offseason and late last year — his out-pitch, the slider. Blair threw only five pitches on Saturday afternoon before having to leave the game.
Cesar Hernandez led off the game for the Phillies and on a 2-2 count, he hit a sharp line drive back to the pitchers mound. Blair tried to field the ball, but it hit him right below his glove. If you’ve never been hit here, it doesn’t feel good.
I don’t see Blair missing much, if any time. If the Braves decide to give him another chance at a start — which I’m sure they will — he should be ready.
The 24-year-old struggled in his first season with the Atlanta Braves in 2016, but was hoping to compete for a starting job in Spring Training. Though it looked unlikely, you never know what will happen. I’m thinking he starts the season in Gwinnett and will be one of the first phone calls we make when something happens.
"Aaron Blair will have to wait a few more days before attempting to further refine the slider that has made him a more intriguing option if there’s a need to fill a spot in Atlanta’s rotation at some point this year.Blair provided a brief scare when he faced just one batter before exiting Saturday’s startagainst the Phillies at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla. But the Braves quickly announced he made a precautionary exit after his left hand was bruised by Cesar Hernandez‘s comebacker to the mound."
"While the Braves will further evaluate Blair over the next couple days, there is seemingly a chance he won’t miss any further time with this non-pitching-hand ailment. But it was unfortunate for him to suffer the injury on a day when he was given a chance to start a split-squad game."
Everything you need to know about the World Baseball Classic
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: If you were curious as to why Freddie Freeman and Ender Inciarte were getting a lot of at-bats early this Spring Training, it’s because they will soon be heading to the World Baseball Classic and their respected teams. Games start on March 6th, but Team Canada doesn’t play until March 9th and Team Venezuela doesn’t play until March 10th.
One interesting match-up to look forward to is the Freeman versus Julio Teheran. The two are scheduled to face each other on March 11th when Colombia takes on Canada. Both Freeman and Julio have been joking around all Spring Training about this upcoming match-up — saying they are scouting each other and anticipating it.
The World Baseball Classic is always fun to watch, but hopefully in 2017 team USA will compete at a high level and go far. One other thing everyone is hoping for…no injuries.
"The 16 teams that will compete in this year’s World Baseball Classic are:Pool A: Israel* South Korea, Netherlands, TaiwanPool B: Australia, China, Cuba, JapanPool C: Canada, Colombia*, Dominican Republic, United StatesPool D: Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela*Colombia and Israel are making their first WBC appearancesThese 16 teams have emerged from a larger pool of nations who both automatically qualified and also whom competed in qualifying rounds as well. Any of the 12 teams that won a game in the previous WBC’s round robin round automatically qualify for the next. The final four spots are competed for during four-team qualifying tournaments held leading up to the games."
Next: The Swanson Pyramid of Greatness, Braves Style
Hale happy with his return to Braves
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Did you listen or watch on Gameday the Braves/Phillies game yesterday? You may have heard mentioned of a David Hale appearance. Hale came into the game in the seventh inning — he gave up two hits, one walk and two runs — and was able to get the final out of the inning.
Hale was drafted by the Braves in the 3rd round of the 2009 MLB draft out of Princeton University. He shot up the Braves minor league system and by the end of the 2013 he was a part of the Atlanta Braves. The Braves used him as a starter and relief pitcher in 2014 as he pitched 87.1 innings that year. Following the season, the Braves traded him to the Colorado Rockies along with Gus Schlosser for Jose Briceno and Chris O’Dowd.
After a season in the place where pitchers go to fail — Colorado — he was selected off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles and then granted free agency following the 2016 season.
The News about the Braves resigning him this offseason went unknown by many — even the beat reporters. At some point the Braves added him to the team and then on March 4th they brought him to the major league team to fill a bullpen spot.
With the depth the Braves have in their MLB bullpen, it’s very unlikely Hale makes the team out of Spring Training. A trip to Gwinnett to resurrect his career makes the most sense here.
"David Hale spent the past two seasons with Colorado after being traded by the Atlanta Braves. He returned to the Braves this offseason as a free agent.Hale previewed the upcoming season as a guest on the “Bill Shanks Show.”"