The Braves had a pleasant week. They won both of their series, one of which against the division leading Nationals. They also made a ton of trades to accumulate international signing pool money to avoid spending penalties for 2016. Cody Martin, Aaron Kurcz, Garrett Fulenchek, Jordan Paroubeck and Caleb Dirks all saw their way out the door as they Braves plan for on bringing in young players with higher potential. With this money, they also made a few interesting international signings out of the Domincan Republic and Venezuela. Manny Banuelos also had a big league debut or the ages. Though the Braves are six games out of first place, things are looking bright for the Braves, for now and the future. July will be a huge month for the team, as the upper management will have to decide whether they will be buyers or sellers at the deadline.
Standings:
|
NL East
|
W
|
L
|
PCT
|
GB
|
HOME
|
AWAY
|
L10
|
STRK
|
|
|
Nationals
|
46
|
36
|
.561
|
–
|
25-14
|
21-22
|
7-3
|
W3
|
|
|
Mets
|
42
|
41
|
.506
|
4.5
|
29-14
|
13-27
|
6-4
|
W1
|
|
|
Braves
|
40
|
42
|
.488
|
6.0
|
23-17
|
17-25
|
5-5
|
L1
|
|
|
Marlins
|
35
|
48
|
.422
|
11.5
|
21-22
|
14-26
|
5-5
|
L2
|
|
|
Phillies
|
28
|
56
|
.333
|
19.0
|
18-25
|
10-31
|
2-8
|
W1
|
|
Results:
(6/30): Nationals 6, Braves 1:Â W: Zimmermann (6-5) L: Miller (5-4)Â
(7/1): Braves 4, Nationals 1: W: Wisler (2-1) L: Fister (3-4) SV: Grilli (22)
(7/2): Braves 2, Nationals 1: W: Grilli (3-3) L: Scherzer
(7/3): Braves 2, Phillies 1: W: Teheran (6-4) L: Morgan SV: J. Johnson (5)
(7/4): Braves 9, Phillies 5: W: Wood (6-5) L: Correia (0-3)
(7/5): Phillies 4, Braves 0: W: Garcia (3-3) L: Masset (2-2)
Transactions:
(7/2):Â Braves traded RHP Garrett Fulenchek to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Braves traded OF Jordan Paroubeck and RHP Caleb Dirks to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Braves traded RHP Cody Martin to the Oakland A’s
Braves recalled Manny Banuelos from AAA Gwinnett, Optioned Ryan Kelly to AAA Gwinnett.
(7/4): Braves signed free agents Derian Cruz and Christian Pache.
Who’s Hot:Â
Juan Uribe
Remember when we got Juan Uribe for Alberto Callaspo and Eric Stults? Juan Uribe has exceeded every Braves fan’s expectations. This past week he was absolutely phenomenal with the bat. He has hit 6-for-19 (.316) with 3 home runs and 4 RBI. He is hitting .301 in his time with the Braves, and this trade has turned out to be a total steal for Atlanta. Uribe has cemented his starting position over Chris Johnson at third base, and he’s pretty damn good with the glove too. While the Braves’ offense hasn’t been as potent since Freddie Freeman went on the DL, Uribe is still playing his part for Atlanta.
Who’s Not:
Andrelton Simmons
Simba is one of the best in the game with the glove, but he is in a huge slump right now with the bat. In Simmons’ last six games, he is just 2-for-21 (.095). Hopefully Simmons can get hot with the second half of the season underway, because in the second half of Simmons’ 2014 campaign he only hit .226.
Prospect of the Week:
Ozhaino Albies
Ozhaino Albies continues to absolutely dominate A-level ball for Rome. Albies is in the midst of a 17-game hitting streak. Over this stretch, he has hit 29-for-72 (.403). Albies is just 18 years old, but is proving himself as one of the Braves’ top prospects. He’s hitting .334 with 31 RBI and 25 steals this season. Many rave about Jose Peraza, but could Albies’ upside prove to be higher?