Braves Briefing: Atlanta's setting more home run records
The Atlanta Braves' brutal 16-2 loss to the Miami Marlins wasn't fun, but at least the Braves were able to make some history in the process. Marcell Ozuna launched a solo shot late in the game, giving him 35 for the season.
Not only is it a mark that was unthinkable when he was sitting on a .084 batting average (no, that's not a typo), but it's also a bit of history.
With the homer, Marcell became the fourth Braves hitter to pass the 35 homer plateau this season, joining Matt Olson (52), Ronald Acuña Jr (37), and Austin Riley (36). It's the first time in history that any MLB team has had four different hitters with 35 or more home runs in a single season.
Even that record setting 2019 Twins team, who hit 307 homers, only had two players (DH Nelson Cruz with 41, RF Max Kepler with 36) over 35.
NL Wild Card Standings
The Atlanta Braves have won the NL East, but we're closely watching the Wild Card race as Atlanta will play the winner of the Wild Card series pitting the top two wild card finishers in the Divisional Round.
| Team | Record | Wild Card Games Back | Action Today |
|---|---|---|---|
Philadelphia | 81-68 | +3.5 | @ Braves |
Arizona | 79-72 | +0.5 | vs Giants |
Chi Cubs | 78-72 | -- | vs Pirates |
Miami | 78-72 | -- | vs Mets |
Cincinnati | 78-73 | 0.5 | vs Twins |
San Francisco | 76-74 | 2.0 | Off |
We wrote it
Max Fried will miss a start. Braves Today Managing Editor Lindsay Crosby discussed the news.
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker plans to skip lefty Max Fried's scheduled this week against Philadelphia out of concern about a potential blister.
Snitker initially indicated there was a concern on Wednesday, telling Ben Ingram of the Atlanta Braves Radio Network that Fried had a "hot spot" developing on his finger in his last start and it was something they wanted to watch. Per reports, the Braves are NOT considering an IL stint for Fried at this time.
What's next for the Atlanta Braves?
Atlanta returns home for a three-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies, who are currently leading the NL Wild Card race. Atlanta's sending Kyle Wright to the mound in Max Fried's place, with the first pitch at 7:20 PM ET. The broadcast will be on Bally Sports South.
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