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Four takeaways after Atlanta Braves drop finale to Philadelphia Phillies

By Matthew Browning

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 28: Kevin Gausman #45 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch in the bottom of the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 28, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 28: Kevin Gausman #45 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch in the bottom of the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 28, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Braves dropped their series finale to the Philadelphia Phillies Sunday afternoon, 9-4.

After winning the first two games of the series, the Atlanta Braves fell to the Phillies and coupled with the Nationals win over the Dodgers, gives the Braves a 5.5 game lead as they head to Washington, DC Monday.

To trade or not to trade for a starting pitcher

It seemed like Max Fried and Kevin Gausman’s outings this weekend would go a long way in determining if the Braves would pursue a starting pitcher before Wednesday’s trade deadline.

Fried allowed four earned runs in 5.1 innings Saturday night and Gausman allowed six earned runs in six innings Sunday.

You be the judge.

But for me, Gausman’s inauspicious start just reaffirmed my opinion that the Braves need one more starter; a No. 3 type at worst.

Fried or Teheran could be the fourth man, if need be, but Dallas Keuchel and Mike Soroka need a third guy for a playoff rotation.

A scary 7th inning

Ronald Acuna Jr. was taken out of the game due to a stiff neck, after running head first into Jean Segura’s knee while stealing second base.

At first glance, it looked like it could have been Acuna’s collarbone, but the team announced it was his neck.

According to the Braves beat reporters, it sounds like this is a minor thing and Acuna could be in the lineup tomorrow.

Let’s hope so, as this has been a rough week for Braves injuries.

Small sample size, but…

While it was only two games, Ender Inciarte and Adam Duvall provided some reassurance that the Braves can survive Nick Markakis’ injury.

The two combined to go 8-for-17 over Saturday and Sunday’s game, with Inciarte hitting two homers and Duvall hitting one.

It had been reported the Braves were interested in adding a versatile bench piece, but maybe Inciarte and Duvall’s performance might change their minds.

Get your game face on

The last time the Braves played the Nationals, Washington was unable to gain any ground in the standings, splitting the four-game series last weekend.

The Braves are going to face Patrick Corbin and Anibal Sanchez for sure in the upcoming series and a “TBD” for Tuesday. That was supposed to be Max Scherzer, but he is dealing with a minor back injury and his status for Tuesday is up in the air.

A series win would put the Nationals 6.5 games back; the same number it was before the first series last week.

Next. Trade deadline: Needs vs. injury replacements. dark

Playing the Braves seven times and not gaining a game in the standings would be significant blow to the Nationals.

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