Braves Weekly Recap: (8/3-8/9)

The Braves were reminded what winning felt like when they got to play the league-worst Miami Marlins this past week. Though they dropped the first series of the week to the defending champion San Francisco Giants, they did have quite possibly the most exciting win of the season when Adonis Garcia hit a walk-off homer to win the game. The Braves also got rid of Chris Johnson’s contract and brought in a couple of vets in Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn. Our closer of the future, Arodys Vizcaino, also recorded his first career save. The Braves sit 8.5 games out of the NL East, and while it may be too little too late, with the pending return of Hector Olivera, the team looks a lot better on paper right now than it did a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately, Freddie Freeman has hit the disabled list once again. The final stretch of 2015 will, at the very least, be a nice sneak peek for what should be an improved team in 2016.

Standings:

NL East
W
L
PCT
GB
HOME
AWAY
L10
STRK
Mets
59
52
.532
38-18
21-34
7-3
L2
Nationals
57
53
.518
1.5
31-23
26-30
3-7
L1
Braves
51
61
.455
8.5
30-23
21-38
5-5
L1
Phillies
45
67
.402
14.5
27-29
18-38
7-3
W3
Marlins
44
68
.393
15.5
26-30
18-38
2-8
W1

Results:

(8/3): Braves 9, Giants 8: W: Vizcaino (2-0) L: Vogelsong (7-7)

(8/4): Giants 8, Braves 3: W: Affeldt (1-2) L: Aardsma (0-1)

(8/5): Giants 6, Braves 1: W: Bumgarner (12-6) L: Perez (4-2)

(8/6): Braves 9, Marlins 8: W: McKirahan (1-0) L: Morris (3-3) SV: Vizcaino (1)

(8/7): Braves 6, Marlins 3: W: Detwiler (1-0) L: Flores (0-1) SV: Vizcaino (2)

(8/8): Braves 7, Marlins 2: W: Foltynewicz (4-3) L: Koehler (8-9)

(8/9): Marlins 4, Braves 1: W: Hand (2-2) L: Miller (5-9) SV: Ramos (18)

Transactions: 

(8/4): Braves place Freddie Freeman, Jason Frasor on 15-Day DL.

            Braves recall Ryan Kelly, Joey Terdoslavich.

            Braves release Josh Outman.

(8/7): Braves trade Chris Johnson to the Cleveland Indians for Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher and cash considerations.

            Braves recall Todd Cunningham.

(8/8): Braves option Daniel Castro, Todd Cunningham to AAA Gwinnett.

Who’s Hot:

A.J. Pierzynski/Nick Markakis

A.J. Pierzynski has been red hot for the Braves coming out of the All-Star Break, and his recent surge has him tied with Nick Markakis for highest batting average on the team (.300). He had a 13-game hitting streak going into Sunday’s game, but unfortunately it was snapped. However, in his past 15 games A.J. is hitting .386 and has been the most consistent hitter in our lineup. He and Nick Markakis continue to lead by example, and while many (including myself) thought A.J. would be out the door by July 31st, it’s looking like there’s a good chance the team brings him back for 2016. Have yourself a few rally beers, A.J., you have had a helluva year. Markakis is just as hot, as he had his 15-game hitting streak snapped Sunday as well. These two guys are carrying the load for the Braves, and it’ll be entertaining to see how this lineup will look late in the season with Olivera ad Freeman in the mix if they can keep up this type of production.

Who’s Not:

Williams Perez

Williams Perez has now had a couple bad starts after returning from the DL, and it hasn’t been pretty. He gave up 6 runs (5 earned) on Wednesday against the Giants. I guess you could say that’s an improvement from his previous outing in which he gave up 9 runs. Perez was the biggest surprise for the Braves in the first half, so hopefully he can get it together and prove why he had such a great first half. His ERA has inflated to 4.48.

Prospect of the Week:

A collective effort!

I couldn’t choose just one prospect of the week, too many guys are tearing it up in our farm and deserve recognition. Jason Hursh was being labeled a bust by many, but he has adapted great to his relief role, and has been promoted to AAA. He had a 2.25 ERA working out of Mississippi’s bullpen and is yet to give up a run in Gwinnett. With his high 90’s fastball, he could be a late inning option for the Braves sooner rather than later. Daniel Castro filled in nicely for Andrelton Simmons in his absence this past week. Mallex Smith has finally adjusted to AAA, as he hit 10-for-26 last week with 4 steals. Zack Bird, who was acquired alongside Hector Olivera, has given up just 1 earned run in 10.2 innings over 2 starts for Mississippi. John Gant gave up just 1 hit in 6 shutout innings Wednesday. Mike Soroka, one of our first round picks, had yet another great outing. I’m starting to build a trust with the scouting department when it comes to these pitchers. Even Rio Ruiz is starting to hit, as he hit 9-for-22 last week. How am I supposed to give the honors to just one guy?

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