The Braves didn’t have a bad week by any means. They went just 3-3, but against two of the top forces in the National League in the Dodgers and the Cardinals. However, the trade of Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson to the division rival Mets has left a sour taste in many fans’ mouths. It’s evident that the team is gearing towards the future, and anyone over the age of 30, with the exception of Nick Markakis, is headed out the door. With all this being said, the Braves are still just 6.5 games out from the division leading Nationals. Many fans’ patience is winding down by now, but they still have a shot at playoff birth if the bats can heat back up with the return of Freddie Freeman. Let’s take a look at the standings, results and transactions from last week:
Standings:
|
NL East
|
W
|
L
|
PCT
|
GB
|
HOME
|
AWAY
|
L10
|
STRK
|
|
| Nationals |
52
|
45
|
.536
|
–
|
28-19
|
24-26
|
4-6
|
L1
|
|
|
Mets
|
51
|
48
|
.515
|
2.0
|
34-16
|
17-32
|
4-6
|
||
|
Braves
|
46
|
52
|
.469
|
6.5
|
26-20
|
20-32
|
4-6
|
W1
|
|
|
Marlins
|
41
|
58
|
.414
|
12.0
|
24-23
|
17-35
|
3-7
|
L3
|
|
|
Phillies
|
37
|
63
|
.370
|
16.5
|
23-26
|
14-37
|
8-2
|
W4
|
|
Results:
(7/20): Braves 7, Dodgers 5:Â W: Wisler (4-1) L: Liberatore (2-2) SV: J. Johnson (7)
(7/21): Braves 4, Dodgers 3:Â W: Wood (7-6) L: Tsao (1-1) SV: J. Johnson (8)
(7/22): Dodgers 3, Braves 1:Â W: Bolsinger (5-3) L: Teheran (6-5) SV: Jansen (17)
(7/24): Cardinals 4, Braves 2:Â W: Cooney (1-0) L: Banuelos (1-2) SV: Siegrist (5)
(7/25): Cardinals 1, Braves 0:Â W: Martinez (11-4) L: Miller (5-7) SV: Choate (1)
(7/26): Braves 3, Cardinals 2:Â W: Wisler (5-1) L: Wacha (11-4) SV: J. Johnson (9)
Transactions:
| 07/20/15 | Atlanta Braves sent RHP David Carpenter outright to Gwinnett Braves. |
| Atlanta Braves optioned RHP Brandon Cunniff to Gwinnett Braves. | |
| Atlanta Braves activated LHP Andrew McKirahan from the restricted list. | |
| Atlanta Braves optioned Ryan Kelly to Gwinnett Braves. |
| 07/24/15 | New York Mets traded RHP John Gant and RHP Rob Whalen to Atlanta Braves for cash, 3B Juan Uribe and LF Kelly Johnson |
| 07/25/15 | Atlanta Braves recalled Daniel Castro from Gwinnett Braves. |
| Atlanta Braves optioned Joey Terdoslavich to Gwinnett Braves. | |
| Atlanta Braves activated 1B Freddie Freeman from the 15-day disabled list. | |
| Atlanta Braves recalled Adonis Garcia from Gwinnett Braves. | |
Who’s Hot:
Andrelton Simmons
Andrelton Simmons worried many with his slow start after the All-Star Break. The defensive guru is just a season removed from a pitiful offensive second half. Simba hit just .209 in last season’s second half. However, Simmons’ play this week has ensured fans that Simmons is far from another collapse. He is providing Gold Glove defense once again and last week he also went 8-for-19 (.421). This is a very encouraging sight to see. The New York Mets reportedly inquired about Simmons when they discussed their other trade, but the price tag was a king’s ransom. Andrelton is not going anywhere anytime soon, and is red hot as of now.
Who’s Not:
Eury Perez
Eury Perez has a decent stint with the team, but he’s starting to come to his reality in the big leagues. This past week, Perez hit just 1-for-14. This could end up being a huge problem for Atlanta. Kelly Johnson is gone and Jonny Gomes has struggled mightily all season. Perez is one of the few options they have in left field, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon.
Prospect of the Week:
Jose Peraza
Jose Peraza had a nice week at the dish, hitting 8-for-28 (.286). Peraza remains atop many prospect lists, and is having a nice 2015, hitting .291 with 3 homers and 37 RBI. His flaw is his low on-base percentage, only .316. Peraza is still just 21 and has time to learn a thing or two in AAA. He still has a very high ceiling for Atlanta.