The Braves pitching staff followed up a high-quality performance yesterday with their best showing yet against the Twins, shutting out Minnesota over seven innings. Ian Anderson started the game for Atlanta, tossing a couple of scoreless frames while allowing just one baserunner and striking out two. Nobody should be surprised by that after the way the 22-year-old burst onto the scene last season, but Brian Snitker was very impressed with Anderson’s first performance of the spring.
Snitker was very impressive with Muller's stuff and performance today, talked about how you can see a difference in him. Was quite pleased with all of today's relievers, and though Ian Anderson was outstanding and had all three pitches working.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 2, 2021
Veteran relievers Will Smith and Nate Jones each followed Anderson with a perfect inning of work, which is promising to see. Smith looks to be the favorite to take over the closing role in Atlanta now that Mark Melancon is in San Diego, and Jones could become a vital piece to the Braves bullpen if he can bounce back from a forgetful 2020.
Following those two was the hard-throwing lefty, Kyle Muller. He recorded five outs while surrendering just two hits and no runs. He also struck out three before Brian Snitker turned to Daysbel Hernandez for the final out of the sixth inning. Here’s what Snit had to say about Muller’s first outing of the spring.
Snitker was very impressive with Muller's stuff and performance today, talked about how you can see a difference in him. Was quite pleased with all of today's relievers, and though Ian Anderson was outstanding and had all three pitches working.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 2, 2021
All expectations are that Muller will begin the season in Gwinnett’s rotation. There’s a very high chance that he makes his MLB debut at some point during the 2021 season, and he has the stuff to stick if he can improve his command.
Jacob Webb wrapped up the game flawlessly with a perfect seventh inning, featuring two strikeouts.
Offensively, it was a bit of everybody for the Braves, who racked up six runs on eleven hits. The damage began with Travis d’Arnaud, who sent a ball soaring into the bleachers in his first at-bat of the spring.
Marcell Ozuna also had a hit and a run in his first appearance this year; Austin Riley continued his hot start to spring with a couple of hits in three at-bats; Abraham Almonte had a triple and an RBI; Shea Langeliers added a double; And even 19-year-old Michael Harris produced a hit in one of his two at-bats. Here’s what Brian Snitker had to say about the youngest member of the Braves spring training roster.
19-year-old #Braves OF prospect Michael Harris has really made a good impression on team officials last spring training and summer camp, last year at the alternate site, and so far here in camp. Snitker loves everything about the kid, his skills and confidence.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 2, 2021
Overall, there wasn’t much Snitker could complain about. That’s usually the case when you shut a team out, but it’s nice to also see the bats combine for eleven hits over just seven innings. The Braves continue their spring training slate tomorrow against the Orioles, as Drew Smyly is set to make his debut in a Braves uniform.
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