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Tag: Brian Snitker

  • ‘We can hit the ground running’: Walt Weiss named Atlanta Braves manager

    “There is a lot of responsibility here, but I embrace it,” Weiss (above) said about being the manager of one of Major League Baseball’s most popular and successful franchises. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The Atlanta Braves named former bench coach Walt Weiss as their new manager. Former Braves manager Brian Snitker announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 season, and the Braves didn’t go far to find his replacement.

    On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the Braves held a press conference to formally introduce Weiss as their next manager. The upstate New York native walked into the press conference room in the bowels of Truist Park and was immediately given a Braves jersey and cap. Weiss would once again wear his old uniform number. 

    “There is a lot of responsibility here, but I embrace it,” Weiss said about being the manager of one of Major League Baseball’s most popular and successful franchises. 

    In the front two rows were Weiss’s family, which includes four sons, Braves star and Baseball Hall of Famer Chipper Jones, former manager Brian Snitker, and current Braves starters Drake Baldwin and Jurickson Profar. 

    Weiss thanked Snitker several times during the press conference, saying that Snitker and former Braves manager Bobby Cox had brought him back to Atlanta, which had helped make this new opportunity possible.

    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    “The standards are high, the expectations are high, and that’s a good thing,” said Weiss, who turns 62 on November 28. “We can hit the ground running.” 

    Braves General Manager and President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopolous sat next to Weiss during the press conference. Anthopolous was asked about the hiring process several times by members of the media. Anthopolous, 48, didn’t reveal the exact process, but said he had his mind made up by Sunday, a day before the announcement was made via the Braves’ social media feeds.

    “Obviously, this has been a long process for us,” Anthopolous said. “This was important for us to get it right.”

    Weiss has spent eight years on the Braves bench and will be seen as a safe hire for the franchise. The fact that Weiss has a losing record asd a manager might be seen as a gamble, but the former Major League shortstop said he understands what he is getting into.

    “I understand the impact of this Braves brand,” Weiss said. “The fact is that I’ve been here, and that has been established, so I think we can hit the ground running.” 

    This will be Weiss’s second stint as a major league manager. He managed the Colorado Rockies, one of his clubs, from 2013-2016. During those four years, the Rockies were under .500 for all four seasons. Weiss’ career record is 283-365. The Braves team that he will manage when spring training begins in early 2026 is much better than the teams he managed in Colorado. The expectations for the Braves will be high after missing the postseason in 2025.

    This will be Weiss’s second stint as a major league manager. He managed the Colorado Rockies, one of his clubs, from 2013 to 2016. During those four years, the Rockies were under .500 for all four seasons. Weiss’ career record is 283-365. The Braves team that he will manage when spring training begins in early 2026 is much better than the teams he managed in Colorado. The expectations for the Braves will be high after missing the postseason in 2025.

    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Weiss will be the 39th manager in franchise history, and he credited his time in Colorado for the lessons he learned as a manager.

    Weiss, the 1988 American League Rookie of the Year with the Oakland A’s, spent 14 years as a shortstop in the majors. His final three seasons, 1998, 1999, and 2000, were spent with the Braves. That span includes his only MLB All-Star Game appearance in 1998. Weiss hit over .330 in the A’s four-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox in 1988. He played in two World Series for the Oakland Athletics before moving on to play for the Florida Marlins, Colorado Rockies, and the Atlanta Braves. 

    Donnell Suggs

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  • The Good, The Bad, & The Braves: End of the win streak, Nats 4, Braves 3

    Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker (above) didn’t hint to the media about his future plans after today’s game.
    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The Atlanta Braves’ win streak ended Wednesday afternoon following a 4-3 loss to the Washington Nationals. The Braves chipped away at the Nationals’ lead throughout the game, but came up short.

    First pitch was at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The Braves, now 75-84, were looking to win their 11th straight game. Tough-luck starter, Bryce Elder (8-10 with a 5.36 ERA), was on the mound for his 28th and final start of the season. Elder had been pitching well over his past seven starts, striking out 37 batters while going an impressive 3-1.

    He didn’t pitch too badly on Wednesday, but not well enough to get the win.

    Elder, as is his penchant this season, gave up an earned run in the first inning of the game. Three of the first four Nationals to take the plate had hits, including an RBI single from left fielder Daylen Lile. Elder would give up another run in the fourth inning following a solo home run by Josh Bell.

    Washington’s starter, Andrew Alvarez, was doing the opposite of Elder and cruising through three innings. Following a walk to Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna, Jr. to start the fourth inning, Alvarez got Drake Baldwin to ground out, Ha-Seong Kim to fly out, and Marcell Ozuna to strike out. Through four innings, Alvarez had only given up a single and struck out five Braves. Wednesday’s game was the Anaheim, California native’s sixth career start.

    Braves starter Bryce Elder after the game on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The Braves played some of their best baseball at the end of this season, leaving the fan base with something to look forward to in 2026. Whether manager Brian Snitker is manning the ship is another question.

    The Braves will have three more home games to close the regular season. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    One of the players who will be key to a successful 2026 season is center fielder Michael Harris II. Harris II, one of the best defensive center fielders in the Majors, had two home runs during the win on Tuesday night and began the fifth inning of this game with a single. Harris II stole third base during the inning, giving him 20 steals for the season. Another home run would lock up a 20-20 season.

    Down 2-0 in the fifth inning, Atlanta had the bases loaded with one out before Matt Olson popped up to second base and Acuna, Jr. grounded out to short, ending the inning.

    Elder gave up another solo home run to start the sixth inning, this time to James Wood. Elder pitched seven innings and struck out seven Nationals.

    Woods hit another solo home run, his 29th of the season, off reliever Tyler Kinley in the seventh inning to put his team ahead 4-1. Ozuna got a run back for the Braves with a solo home run in the eighth inning.

    In the ninth inning, Eli White came off the bench to hit another solo home run off Washington reliever Jose A. Ferrer to bring Atlanta within a run at 4-3.

    Atlanta will end the regular season with a three-game weekend series with the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park.

    Donnell Suggs

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  • The Good, The Bad, & The Braves: Bullpen blows, Mariners hits 5 HRs, Braves lose 10-2

    Hurston Waldrep (above) made his sixth career start on Saturday night. It was his third career start at Truist Park. Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves

    The Atlanta Braves lost 10-2 to the Seattle Mariners tonight.

    Atlanta Braves rookie starter Hurston Waldrep made his sixth career start on Saturday night against the Seattle Mariners. He would leave the game without a victory, but his stellar performance allowed the game to remain close.

    Waldrep was done for the night after throwing 91 pitches through five innings. During his time on the mound he continued his strong play, striking out five Mariners, walking five more, and only giving up the two earned runs on the first inning home run.

    Following the game, Braves manager Brian Snitker was complimentary of Waldrep despite the outcome.

    “Pretty impressive for a young guy not to cave in,” Snitker said about the first inning of the game. “I really like what I have seen of him. he’s really handled adversity.”

    Waldrep is 4-0 with 1.33 ERA in six starts this season.

    On Friday night, the sellout crowd at Truist Park got an opportunity to watch a pitching masterclass by Chris Sale. Sale finished the game having pitched 6.2 and only gave up four hits and an earned run, while striking out nine Mariners. He was lights out from start to finish.

    On Saturday night, the Braves bullpen, however, did not pitch well tonight. Not even close.

    Plenty of young Atlanta Braves fans made their way into the stadium over the weekend. There were a combined 71,000 fans in attendance for the games at Truist Park on Friday and Saturday. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Braves

    The fireworks got started early on as Waldrep, one of the future stars for this franchise, gave up two early runs on a home run by Mariners centerfielder Julio Rodriguez. The fastball that went over the left field fence came on an 0-2 count. Waldrep, a native of Cairo, Georgia, would settle down through the next three innings, only giving up a double to Seattle right fielder Victor Robles in the fourth inning.

    The first run of the game for Atlanta would come in the same inning on a solo home run by Matt Olson. The home run was the 22nd home run of the season for Olson and a team high. With Ozzie Albies on third base, Michael Harris II came to the plate with two outs and swung at the first pitch from Seattle’s starter, Bryce Miller. The results of that at-bat were similar to the four Harris II took on Friday night, it resulted in an out and no RBI.

    Seattle left fielder Randy Arozarena started the fifth inning with a walk by Waldrep and proceeded to steal his second base of the night. Arozarena had two walks and the two steals during his first three at-bats. The Mariners failed to score between the second and fifth innings, and a large part of that was the defense behind Waldrep. Ha-Seong Kim, playing at shortstop, snagged a hard hot ball up the middle from Seattle first baseman Josh Naylor and threw him out to end the inning.

    Ronald Acuna, Jr. came to the plate in the sixth inning with Baldwin and Kim on base, one out in the books, and the Braves down 2-1. Miller had already thrown 87 pitches for Seattle, and this was the first inning of the game in which he had given up more than one hit. Baldwin and Kim reached base on consecutive singles. Acuna, Jr. walked and Harris II hit a deep sac fly to center field which allowed Baldwin to score and tie the game at two.

    With Arozarena back on second base for the third time in the game, Rodriguez hit his second home run of the game to put Seattle back in front 4-2. It was his third multi-home run game of the season. Eugenio Suarez followed Rodriguez with a solo home run to left. Both home runs came courtesy of Daysbel Hernandez pitches. That ended the night for Hernandez and brought Hayden Harris out of the Braves bullpen in relief with two outs and Atlanta behind 5-2. Harris gave up a single to J.P. Crawford that brought in another Seattle run before the inning was over.

    Major League Baseball’s leader in home runs, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, managed to go 0-4 with a walk and Seattle still scored six runs through eight innings. Raleigh hit his 52nd home run of the year in the ninth inning to put Seattle ahead 10-2. Braves reliever John Brebbia, who came on in the eighth inning, gave up a three-run home run down the right field line to Josh Naylor along with the home run to Raleigh. The mariners hit five combined home runs on Saturday night.

    Drake Baldwin (above) bats in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on May 15, 2025. Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves

    Still Leading the Pack:

    Braves rookie catcher Drake Baldwin is racing towards the National League Rookie of the Year award. Baldwin is hitting .283 with 64 RBI and 15 home runs. Though he has only won National League Rookie of the Month once, Baldwin has played a large role in the Braves’ offense this season. His defense behind the plate has also been a plus for a Braves team with very little to celebrate this season. On Saturday night against Seattle, he got a base hit in the sixth inning that started a rally.

    Donnell Suggs

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  • The Good, The Bad, & The Braves: Blame 13-9 loss on Strider and Snitker

    Spencer Strider (above) pitched 3.1 innings against the visiting Chicago White Sox and was responsible for six runs during his time on the mound Monday night. Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves

    The Atlanta Braves returned home from having won series in New York and Cleveland to lose the first game of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. The loss was credited to the evening’s starter, Spencer Strider, but it also has to belong to Braves manager Brian Snitker.

    Let’s start with Snitherm, who made the perplexing decision to pinch-run for the hottest hitter in Major League Baseball, Michael Harris after he started the eighth inning with a single. That hit was Harris’s fourth of the game in four at-bats. Snitker took Harris out of the game, presumably to give him a rest, and the Braves managed to bat around the lineup so long that Harris’s spot came up with the bases loaded and Atlanta in need of runs. Eli White, Harris’s replacement struck out.

    That strike out effectively ended the game while simultaneously ending Atlanta’s best chance at cutting the White Sox lead or tying the game.

    Now about Strider.

    The game began with Strider (now 5-11 overall) digging himself out of ditches. Strider gave up a single to the first batter he faced, Mike Tauchman, on the first pitch he threw (fastball). The White Sox failed to score with a runner on third and two outs as Lenyn Sosa flew out to Jurickson Profar in left field.

    Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider (above) started Monday night’s game against the Chicago White Sox. he only managed to strike out two White Sox before being taken out of the game in the fourth inning. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    There were more White Sox runners on first and second in the second inning when Strider got out of trouble again. This time he got Chicago second baseman Chase Meidroth to hit into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

    Strider’s luck ran out in the third inning when Chicago left fielder Brooks Baldwin took him deep for a solo home run to left center to give the White Sox a 1-0 lead. A sliding catch near the Braves dugout helped end the inning with another Chicago runner on base.

    Things got worse when Luis Robert, Jr. (13 home runs and 49 RBI) hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning to put Chicago ahead 3-0. Strider had thrown 55 pitches before pitching coach Rick Kunitz came out to talk to him.

    By the end off his time on the mound, Strider had thrown 68 pitches, given up five hits during the fourth inning, and four earned runs. Austin Cox came on to relieve him with one out and runners on second and third base. Strider only managed to strike out two White Sox before being taken out of the game in the fourth inning.

    Chicago was ahead 7-0 through four innings. Atlanta had an opportunity to cut into the White Sox lead when a single and a double from Profar and Matt Olson gave Ronald Acuna, Jr. something to shoot for. He grounded out to second while driving in Profar from third base for Atlanta’s first run of the game. Drake Baldwin flew out to center with Olson on third to end the inning.

    During the game, Michael Harris II continued his hot run of play, hitting a pit of singles in his first two plate appearances, and a two-run home run in the sixth inning. With a single in the second inning, Harris extended his 11-game hit streak. Over the last seven games, Harris was hitting .438 with a .438 on-base percentage and a .759 slugging percentage. His 15 home runs are third on the team behind Marcell Ozuna (20) and Olson (19).

    Cox (58 pitches, three earned runs) was pitching strong in relief, holding Chicago scoreless during the fifth inning before giving up a two-out 3-run home run to White Sox first baseman Lenyn Sosa in the sixth inning.

    Harris’s home run was only the second extra-base hit for Atlanta through five innings before Profar hit a two-run home run down the right field line in the sixth inning to make the score 10-5.

    Daysbel Hernandez started the seventh inning and immediately gone up a solo home run on his first pitch to White Six shortstop Kyle Teel, who already had two hots in the game. Hernandez gave up another RBI single before he got Sosa to ground out to end the inning.

    Fun Fact: The White Sox and the Braves had only played 24 times before Monday night’s game. The White Sox now lead the all-time series 13-12.

    What’s Next: The Braves and White Sox will play again on Tuesday and Wednesday before the New York Mets return to Truist Park for a three-game weekend series. The White Sox games have a scheduled 7:15 p.m. first pitch.

    Donnell Suggs

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  • Pawol breaks gender barrier, earns good reviews for her work behind the plate on historic weekend

    ATLANTA (AP) — Jen Pawol breezed through Sunday’s Marlins-Braves game as if breaking a gender barrier was just another day on the job.

    Considering Pawol became the first female umpire to work behind the plate in the majors, making unprecedented history appear to be routine was especially impressive.

    “I think Jen did a really nice job,” Miami manager Clayton McCullough said after Atlanta’s 7-1 win over the Marlins.

    “I think she’s very composed back there. She handled and managed the game very well. And big day for her. Big day for Major League Baseball. I congratulated her again on that because it’s quite the accomplishment.”

    It was an impressive cap to a memorable weekend for Pawol. She made history in Saturday’s doubleheader as the first female umpire to work a regular-season game in the majors. She called the bases in the doubleheader before moving behind the plate on Sunday, placing her in the brightest spotlight for an umpire.

    Pawol never showed any indication of being affected by the attention, even while knowing every call would be closely watched. She called balls and strikes with 93% accuracy, according to Ump Scorecards.

    “Congrats to Jen, obviously,” said Braves left-hander Joey Wentz, who earned the win by allowing only one run in 5 1/3 innings.

    Asked about Pawol’s calls, Wentz said, “I try not to focus on the zone, to be honest with you. … I thought it was good though.”

    There were few opportunities for disputes as Wentz and Miami starting pitcher Cal Quantrill combined for only three strikeouts. The first called third strike came in the fifth inning, when Pawol used a fist pump when calling out Miami’s Kyle Stowers on a pitch that was close to the edge of the plate.

    McCullough was seen in the Marlins dugout with his palms held up as if asking about the pitch call. He said after the game it’s not unusual to question a close called strike.

    “Over the course of the game, there are a number of times that you just are going to be asking for clarity on one, if you aren’t sure,” McCullough said. “So it could have been that.”

    The 48-year-old Pawol was called up as a rover umpire, so her next assignment in the majors has not been announced.

    “I wish her the best moving forward as she continues to, I’m sure, hopefully one day be up full time, you know, a permanent big league umpire,” McCullough said.

    Pawol also received positive reviews from Braves manager Brian Snitker, who on Saturday said, “You can tell she knows what she does.”

    Pawol’s work in the minor leagues began in 2016 when she was assigned to the Gulf Coast League. She worked in the Triple-A championship game in 2023 and in spring training games in 2024 and again this year.

    “We certainly didn’t call her up from A ball, right?” Quantrill said. “So yeah, I’m sure she was well prepared. And like I said I think, you know, part of the game moving forward is that if this is normal then we’re going to treat it normal, too. So, you know, I thought it was fine. I think she did she did a quality job. … And yeah, I think she’d be very proud of herself. And, you know, it’s kind of a cool little thing to be part of.”

    Pawol spoke to reporters on Saturday when she said, “The dream actually came true today. I’m still living in it. I’m so grateful to my family and Major League Baseball for creating such an incredible work environment. … I’m just so thankful.”

    Pawol received cheers from fans on both days. On Sunday, some held up “Way to go Jen!” signs.

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    AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

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  • Braves’ Ronald Acuña is placed on IL after second season-ending knee injury in 4 years

    Braves’ Ronald Acuña is placed on IL after second season-ending knee injury in 4 years

    ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves placed outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. on the 10-day injured list on Monday after the reigning NL MVP sustained a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

    Acuña was hurt in the Braves’ 8-1 win at Pittsburgh on Sunday. After opening the game with a double, Acuña started toward third on a stolen base attempt. His left knee gave way when he stopped in an attempt to return to second base.

    Atlanta announced Sunday night an MRI showed a complete ACL tear that will require surgery.

    Associated Press

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  • Michael Harris II homers twice as All-Star-studded Braves win ninth straight, 4-2 over Guardians

    Michael Harris II homers twice as All-Star-studded Braves win ninth straight, 4-2 over Guardians

    CLEVELAND (AP) — At the moment, there’s no team in the same league as these Atlanta Braves.

    They’re in a class by themselves — from top to bottom.

    “Dangerous team,” said Guardians manager Terry Francona.

    David Fry had a game-ending hit and the Cleveland Guardians stopped the Atlanta Braves’ nine-game winning streak with a 6-5 victory in 10 innings Tuesday night.

    Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani grimaces after swinging for a strike during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday, July 1, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

    Shohei Ohtani became a two-way All-Star for the third straight year when he was picked for the American League pitching staff, and eight Atlanta Braves were chosen for the July 11 game in Seattle — the most of any team since 2012.

    Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr., left, steals second base against Miami Marlins shortstop Joey Wendle (18) during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 2, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Slitz)

    Ozzie Albies’ two-run homer in the fifth gave Atlanta the lead and the Braves overcame an early two-run deficit to beat the Miami Marlins 6-3 for their 16th win in 17 games.

    Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) gestures after hitting a single home run in the first inning against the Miami Marlins during a baseball game Saturday, July 1, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Slitz)

    Ronald Acuña and Ozzie Albies homered as part of a six-run first inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 7-0 as major league batting leader Luis Arraez saw his average dip to .388.

    Michael Harris II, Atlanta’s No. 9 hitter, homered twice and Bryce Elder, one of the club’s eight All-Stars, pitched into the seventh inning as the Braves moved 30 games over .500 with their season-high ninth straight win, 4-2 over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night.

    Harris connected for solo shots in the third and fifth innings off Guardians rookie Gavin Williams (0-1), who in his third career start had to face a lineup featuring six All-Stars and no detectable weaknesses.

    Harris may be last in Atlanta’s order, but he’s batting .416 (37 of 89) with seven homers and 16 RBIs in his last 24 games. The Braves don’t have any holes in their relentless lineup.

    “I feel like it’s pretty frustrating for the other pitchers,” said Harris. “They get through who they think is going to do all the damage and they get down to the bottom of the lineup and we can still do a little damage. It’s a pretty special lineup.”

    Marcell Ozuna also homered for the Braves, who have won 17 of 18 and 24 of 27.

    Atlanta, which has had three winning streaks of at least eight games, improved MLB’s best record to 57-27.

    Manager Brian Snitker has no explanation for how his team finds ways to win.

    “I don’t know,” he said. “We just do.”

    Elder (7-1) didn’t give up a run until the seventh, when Amed Rosario touched him for a two-run single. A.J. Minter came on and got out of a two-on jam by popping up All-Star José Ramírez, and Nick Anderson retired Myles Straw with two on in the eighth.

    Raisel Iglesias worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his 15th save.

    During two rain long delays over the weekend in Chicago, Francona did some advance prep work to be ready for the Braves. Their statistics are striking.

    “I got nauseous,” Francona said.

    He didn’t feel much better after seeing Atlanta in person.

    “You make a mistake sometimes and this is a lineup, probably the ultimate lineup, that if you leave something over the plate,” he said. “They hit two the other way.”

    Harris gave the Braves a 1-0 lead in the third with his eighth homer, which triggered an inadvertent launching of fireworks above Progressive Field — a celebration normally reserved for home runs by the Guardians.

    But as Harris rounded the bases, a loud boom reverberated through the ballpark and sparklers lit up the sky, prompting loud boos from the sellout crowd.

    “I was confused at first why everybody started booing so loudly,” Harris said. “I thought it was towards me, but I remember when I crossed the plate the fireworks went off and then I got in the dugout and they were talking about the fireworks. It kind of throw me off there.”

    STAR POWER

    Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. became the first player with 20 homers, 40 steals and 50 RBIs before the All-Star break.

    He’s only the third to hit 20 homers with 40 steals in the first 84 games, joining Rickey Henderson (1990) and Eric Davis (1986).

    “You don’t want to get a drink or go to the bathroom if he’s around because you might miss something you’ve never seen before,” Snitker said. “He’s a special player and it’s fun to have him on our team and be able to watch him every day.”

    BRAVE(S) NEW WORLD

    Atlanta’s eight All-Star selections are the most in franchise history and matched the all-time record for an NL team. The 2008 Cubs, 1960 Pirates, 1956 Reds and 1943 Cardinals also had eight.

    STANDING ROOM ONLY

    The crowd of 38,106 was Cleveland’s largest in the regular season since 2014.

    FRANCONA UPDATE

    Francona said he’s feeling fine following a medical scare during the team’s trip to Kansas City last week.

    Francona felt lightheaded before a game and was hospitalized for tests and as a precaution. The 64-year-old has dealt with major medical issues in recent years, forcing him to leave the team in 2020 and 2021.

    Francona has been checking in with his doctor.

    “He goes, ‘Sleep a little bit,’” Francona cracked.

    TRAINER’S ROOM

    Braves: Ace Max Fried (forearm strain) will face live hitters for the second time on Tuesday as he continues to work his way back after being shut down in May. It’s a significant step, but the Braves remain tight-lipped about a possible return date for Fried, who will likely need a few rehab starts in the minors before being activated.

    Guardians: RHP Triston McKenzie (sprained elbow ligament) will continue his rehab program of rest and therapy for three more weeks before picking up a ball. The 25-year-old received a second opinion last week, and will avoid surgery as long as he makes progress. … 1B Josh Naylor was lifted after an at-bat in the sixth inning with a sore right wrist. Francona said Naylor will undergo imaging tests.

    UP NEXT

    Shane Bieber (5-5, 3.48 ERA) starts for the Guardians, who may trade him before the deadline. He’ll face Atlanta’s Kolby Allard, who got a no-decision in a start against Minnesota last week.

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    AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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  • Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. is first to hit 20 homers, steal 40 bases and drive in 50 before break

    Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. is first to hit 20 homers, steal 40 bases and drive in 50 before break

    CLEVELAND (AP) — Nobody has had a first half of the season like Ronald Acuña Jr.

    Atlanta’s four-time All-Star outfielder made history Monday night by becoming the first player to reach 20 home runs, 40 stolen bases and 50 RBIs before the All-Star break.

    “Special player,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said after Atlanta extended its winning streak to nine straight and moved 30 games over .500 by beating the Cleveland Guardians 4-2.

    ATLANTA (AP) — Braves center fielder Michael Harris II has been placed on the injured list with a lower back strain.

    The 25-year-old Acuña is also just the third player to hit 20 homers and steal 40 bases in the first 84 games, joining Rickey Henderson (1990) and Eric Davis (1986).

    Before the game, Acuña was named NL Player of the Month for June, the second time he’s won the award this season.

    In the third inning, Acuña extended his hitting streak to 14 games before swiping his 40th base, the most he’s had in a season. He stole 37 in 2019.

    Acuña appeared to injure his right shoulder while making a headfirst slide. He stayed on the ground for a few moments before being helped to his feet and checked by a Braves trainer. Acuña stayed in the game and scored moments later on a single.

    Snitker said Acuña was “stung a little bit” but felt fine.

    There doesn’t seem to be anything the speedy Acuña can’t do.

    “You go out and get a drink or go to the bathroom you might miss something you’ve never seen before,” Snitker said. “I’m just glad to have him on our team and be able to watch him every say.”

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