Takeaways from the Atlanta Braves series-sweeping win over the White Sox
The Atlanta Braves defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-3 Sunday evening to sweep the three-game series and keep their lead in the NL East at 5.5 games.
Freddie Freeman’s two home run, five RBI game nearly single-handedly carried the Atlanta Braves to the win Sunday. That gives Freeman 38 homers and 114 RBI on the season.
Julio Teheran again allowed back-to-back two-out walks in the second inning before opposing pitcher Lucas Giolito drove both in, but other than that, Teheran was solid. He allowed three hits and four walks, while striking out five.
Much was made about this key eight games stretch on the Braves schedule before there are 14 straight games against the Nationals and Phillies and so far, the Braves are doing their part.
After dropping the first two games (at Colorado and the first game at Toronto), they have won four in a row and the Blue Jays are in town for two starting Monday.
Now, to the takeaways:
Free for MVP?
Well, first off, no, Freddie Freeman will not win the MVP and in fact, he likely won’t be in the top three.
Perhaps it’s paranoia, but I do feel like his season is being overlooked and undervalued.
Consider where Freeman ranks in these offensive categories after his dominating performance against the White Sox: 1st in RBIs, 2nd in runs, tied for third in hits and 5th in home runs, slugging and OPS.
Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger and Anthony Rendon are having great seasons, too and they will form the top three in MVP voting, but Freeman should be right there as well.
Julio Teheran…Game 2 starter?
Call me crazy, but that is where I would slot Teheran if the playoffs started today.
After his performance against the White Sox, Teheran has now allowed two earned runs or fewer in 10 of his past 12 starts.
A lot will depend on the opponent, but without diving too deep into performances against the Cubs or Cardinals, I would go Soroka-Teheran-Keuchel-Fried and feel pretty good about things.
Let’s get ahead of ourselves
No offense to the Blue Jays, who did win game one of their series with the Braves last week, but this week is all about the four-game series against Washington.
The Braves are going to roll out Fried, Keuchel, Teheran, and Soroka, while the Nationals are going to throw Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin, Joe Ross and Max Scherzer.
Anything more than a split would be a bonus and anything less would increase the stress levels of all Braves fans.
Next. 5 September storylines. dark
It’s going to be a playoff-like atmosphere at STP. Buckle up, everyone.