Atlanta Braves Morning Chop/Box for 8/28
Once again… a game that unfolded in a manner that has often resulted in the Braves snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
And then a miracle occurred.
The Atlanta Braves gave the Mets every opportunity – base runners, a low-scoring game, an 0-5 with runners in scoring position – all of that… and yet, a win. A win thanks to Jason Heyward, Justin Upton, a Mets error… and Andrelton Simmons (we’ll highlight that one later).
So now there’s actual hope for this series as we approach tonight’s finale.
Here’s the box…
Former Atlanta Braves Pitcher John Rocker to Star on New Season of ‘Survivor’
In awful, tangentially baseball-related news, John Rocker will be making his return to television this September as a cast member on Survivor.
Bloguin reports that the former Atlanta Braves pitcher will be competing alongside girlfriend Julie McGee on the show for a $1 million prize.
Rocker spoke about his chances to win the prize money with Entertainment Weekly’s Dalton Ross in a recent interview.
Naturally, Ross was curious to know if the former ballplayer’s rampant xenophobia would be held against him come competition time.
In short, Rocker’s not too concerned.
“Not really,” Rocker said. “I see these folks that I’m getting ready to play this game with as very similar to the 13 years of professional baseball that I played, and the teammates that I played with. Some of my biggest supporters after that SI debacle were my current and past teammates.”
[Editor’s note: this is a total setup. From what I have heard, same-sex couples are also going to be involved… everything designed to get under Rocker’s skin. And from what I heard during a radio interview within the past year intended to promote his book (he hung up in mid-interview), he’s not been able to escape his past. In my estimation, Rocker could very well be the first person ever voted off the island before the show begins. ]
Braves Injury Update: Jonny Venters shut down again with elbow discomfort
KKauffman1969 / YARDBARKER.COM
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The Atlanta Braves are in good position in the National League wild card race with a little more than a month remaining, but they are in danger of falling out of the race in the National League East. One aspect of the team keeping them afloat is a pitching staff which is fifth in the league in ERA. There is some bad news on the injury front, as
Jonny Venters
, who has been battling his way back from elbow surgery, has again been shut down.
I reported on August 4 that Venters, who had thrown long-toss and flat-ground drills with little to no discomfort, threw 15 pitches from the bullpen mound at 70 to 80 percent effort. It was the first time Venters had thrown from a mound since having a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow in June.
Braves Injury Update: Gavin Floyd won’t throw for at least six more weeks
KKauffman1969 / YARDBARKER.COM
The Atlanta Braves entered a series against the New York Mets on Tuesday seven and half games behind the Washington Nationals in the National League East. At 26th in the Major Leagues in runs scored, the Braves have relied on a pitching staff that is 5th in ERA. There is some news regarding injured starting pitcher Gavin Floyd, who will need at least another six weeks before he’s able to throw. He should be ready for spring training next year.
Our own Evan Petzold reported on July 26 that Floyd, who fractured the olecranon in his elbow while throwing a curve ball on June 19, passed the first post-surgery test and was scheduled for checkups every four weeks.
[ Editor’s note: both of these pitchers have to be considered at risk for never being able to pitch again: Floyd due to the stress placed on that now-delicate olecranon, and Venters because it’s his 2nd TJ surgery and he frankly should have been back already. Floyd’s case need not be considered a ‘setback’ – his arm is already looking like an erector set, so his news is hardly surprising; but Venters’ news certainly is a major disappointment. He will be seeing Dr. Andrews again. ]