Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona: 5 things you need to know about this series

Will the Atlanta Braves head into the All-Star break with momentum? Here is a preview for tonight’s game and series.

After enjoying a long period of not only being #1 in the NL East but #1 in the entire National League, the Atlanta Braves currently sit in second place behind the Philadelphia Phillies.

However they are only a half game behind the Phillies with a 51-40 W-L record which – while a bit disappointing – is definitely more than just about everyone expected the Braves to be at coming into the break.

The Phillies are currently taking on Miami Marlins which isn’t really helping the cause, but the Braves can still fight to take back first place to end the first half of the season.

Atlanta will take on the Arizona Diamondbacks who were also at one point the top team in the NL but find themselves runner-ups in their respective division.

As the Braves host the Diamondbacks, they will look to go into the break on a high note after splitting a two-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Will The Braves Make A Move?

The All-Star Break is next week which also means the trade deadline is right around the corner. In order to finish strong, the Braves could make a splash to improve the bullpen or even the rotation or lineup.

A few articles still have the Braves as a suitor for Manny Machado but many say they will be fine with going after someone cheaper like Mike Moustakas BUT ALSO stating they can do fine with just Johan Camargo.

There hasn’t been much recently about Atlanta’s rotation but talks have been mentioned throughout the season thus far and how they could always improve with a Jacob DeGrom or a Chris Archer. Of all three areas, I’d say this is the least-needed task.

The biggest damage to the Atlanta Braves this season is the bullpen. There has been so many games they could have won if the relievers would hold the scores as is or at least end the game at 9 innings. The rotation has had many impressive outings that ended up going to waste because the bullpen couldn’t avoid imploding.

A part of the issue has been poor choices by manager Brian Snitker like bringing out what can be agreed as the wrong reliever for the wrong situation, making bad timing decisions on when to bring/switch out relievers and etc.

It’s been quite shocking that the front office has yet to make moves to address the flashing bright-red problem that’s clearly the biggest weakness to the team.

The non-waiver trade deadline is July 31st which is less than three weeks away.

Mystery Man Call-Up?

If the Atlanta Braves don’t add some help via trade, they might go looking down in the farm. Could they call up someone after sending Luiz Gohara to AAA following Wednesday game?

Gohara has not had the best season to follow up an impressive 2017 debut. With the passing of his father, an ill mother, and injuries, Gohara has been fighting to get back to his potential form and getting more time to work on his mechanics down in the minors may be what he needs.

For 2018, Gohara sits at a 0-1 record and 5.95 ERA with most of his time coming out of the bullpen. He has made one start back in May and wasn’t bad. Against the Phillies, he went only four innings, gave up two runs but also struck out six. That is the loss he has taken.

Gohara still has a lot of potential and will definitely be back on the main roster at some point. For now, however, the Braves have yet to announce a follow-up move but it could come today. It will most likely be another pitcher or bench bat to aid the bullpen and that is what may disappoint some fans.

The fact that it will likely be bullpen help, could mean they won’t be calling up any names like Kolby Allard or Touki Toussaint. It’s also right before the break. Instead, it may be someone like Lucas Sims (again), Matt Wisler (again) or even someone like Preston Tucker. I’d be totally fine to be proven wrong.

**UPDATE** The Braves just announced that they have recalled Preston Tucker as the corresponding move. Tucker played to a .250 BA in on main roster with 21 RBIs. It’s still just a minor move that exactly reflects the low expectations heading into the final series before the break.