Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves win with some regulars set to play soon
By Clint Manry
On Monday the Atlanta Braves finally picked up their first win against the Nationals, scoring nine runs. Freddie Freeman makes his first start of Spring Training.
The Atlanta Braves came out swinging, as they put up nine runs on Monday against Washington. The action got started in the fourth-inning when Freeman went deep and the Braves scored three total runs in the inning.
The Braves followed up with a 4-run sixth-inning and a 2-run seventh-inning.
Max Fried got the start and pitched two innings, allowing one hit, no earned-runs, a strikeout and a walk. The win went to reliever Jesse Biddle. Washington’s new starter, Patrick Corbin, would not factor in the decision.
Monday, February 25th
Even though Spring Training win/loss records are meaningless, it’s nice to see a win for the Braves after two-straight losses.
The Braves will take on the New York Mets today at 1:05 p.m. (EST), with lefty Sean Newcomb getting his first start of the Spring. He will face New York’s Corey Oswalt.
Also, veteran catcher Brian McCann is expected to start today against the Mets, according to MLB.com.
Swanson and Donaldson
It’s a great sign to hear that Dansby Swanson‘s wrist has progressed enough that he will be able to play this week:
Third baseman, Josh Donaldson, will be a nice addition to the Spring lineup this week, as the bats have struggled in two out of the three games to start Spring Training.
Our friends from TalkingChop also report that veteran outfielder Nick Markakis will be getting some playing-time later this week.
Soroka Update
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reported Monday that Mike Soroka will resume throwing exercises in the next few days. Hopefully since Soroka didn’t suffer any structural damage to his shoulder last season, that he can come back and have a full and healthy 2019 season.
The nature of being shut down last week shouldn’t cause too much concern as the prediction is that his ailment is no where near the degree in which he was hurt last season.
Lots of Duvall
Bowman also reports that Snitker plans to play outfielder, Adam Duvall, frequently during this year’s Spring Training schedule . Snitker believes that Duvall “should be given every chance to prove himself”.
Duvall had a terrible stint with the Braves after his mid-season move from the Cincinnati Reds.
The results haven’t come yet, but the preseason is far from over. Duvall is hitless in two games so far for the Braves (3 ABs), but has one walk.
News Around the League
The Dodgers confirmed on Monday, that they did in fact meet with highly-sought after free agent, Bryce Harper, this past Sunday night, MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick reports.
Switch-hitting outfielder, Aaron Hicks, has agreed to an extension with the New York Yankees. The deal is for seven years and worth $70 million. MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reported the agreement on Monday.
Colorado Rockies manager, Bud Black, has signed a three-year extension with the Rockies that will keep him in Denver through 2022, reported by Thomas Harding
Unsigned free-agent starting-pitcher, Dallas Keuchel, isn’t ready to panic yet. Keuchel is a 2015 American League Cy Young Award winner. There are reports that the San Diego Padres have some interest in the veteran pitcher.
That’s all for now, with more to come today. Be sure to check out the Braves game this afternoon!