3 takeaways: Swanson and Teheran shine in Atlanta Braves win over Detroit Tigers

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Detroit Tigers Sunday afternoon, 7-4 to clinch the series victory.

It’s early June, so calling a singular game a must-win for the Atlanta Braves seems a bit ridiculous, particularly when there isn’t a division rival involved.

BUT…

After losing both games to the Washington Nationals earlier in the week, then opening the Tigers’ series with a loss, it seemed fairly important to finish Detroit off Sunday, after winning Saturday afternoon.

Of the Braves 32 wins, 22 of those occurred when they scored first, so it was nice for Dansby Swanson to get the scoring going in the bottom of the third inning, with a two-run home run.

I’ll get more in-depth with Swanson later on, but that was his 12th homer and 39th and 40th RBIs.  Don’t look now, but he’s leading the Braves in RBI (by 6!).

Raise your hand if you anticipated that ever happening.

I didn’t think so.

Swanson finished the day 2-for-3 with three RBIs, a walk and two extra base hits.

Julio Teheran again was solid, yet unspectacular.  He went five innings, allowed four hits, three walks and six strikeouts, but most importantly no earned runs.

He did not factor into the decision as Jacob Webb gave up three runs – all unearned – but they prevented Teheran from getting the victory.

After the Tigers tied the game in the top of the eighth with that 3-spot, the Braves put four runs on the board in the bottom of the inning.

It was not pretty at times, but ultimately it is a series win that takes away some of the bad taste from the Nationals series.

DIVISION STANDINGS

• PHILLIES (33-26)
• BRAVES (32-27, 1 GB)
• METS (28-31, 5 GB)
• NATIONALS (26-33, 7 GB)
• MARLINS (21-36, 11 GB)

On to the takeaways:

1. Dansby an All-Star?

This topic probably requires a more in-depth look at other players in the National League, but Swanson certainly can make a case for heading to Cleveland in early July.

To go along with the power numbers I mentioned above in regards to today’s game, Swanson is batting .264, with an OPS of .814.

There are plenty of worthy candidates, but one would think the player leading in RBIs from one of the National League’s best teams will make his way on to the roster.

Swanson’s defensive metrics aren’t as high at this point in the season, as he is middle of the road in defensive runs saved and fielding percentage.

The next couple of weeks will be interesting to see how the NL roster shakes out, but the odds seem decent that Swanson is on the team.

Look for a story on that particular subject later in the week.

2. Relax on Josh Donaldson

It is no secret that Josh Donaldson has struggled in his first two months with the Braves.

He is currently batting .253 with seven home run and an OPS of .801.

I have seen chatter on social media about moving Donaldson down in the batting order, but I would preach patience right now.

The lineup is fine and deep, so why mess with it? Because let’s be honest, Donaldson is going to heat up.

It’s only a matter of time.

And when he does, that adds just another layer to the lineup.

Donaldson referenced the back of his baseball card during spring training when regarding his contract with the Braves.

I think we all need to look at that card again.

3. A different take on the bullpen

Sure it would be nice to sign Craig Kimbrel in the coming days, but that would just be a small bandage on the large wound that is the Braves bullpen.

Let me ask this question: how many of the current relievers on the roster do you trust to come in and get an out in a stressful situation?

Many of us had utmost confidence in A.J. Minter before the season, but he is still in Triple A, rather than being the Braves closer.

At one point we thought it was Jacob Webb, but he has been shaky in his past few starts.

Luke Jackson has been good, don’t get me wrong and I think he deserves a spot in the bullpen, but I don’t feel great about him pitching in crunch time.

So Kimbrel or another closer is just one piece of what needs to see two to three bullpen pieces added.

Up next are the Pirates at home.