MLB notes: Streaking Braves finding different ways to win
The Atlanta Braves, finding new ways to create runs, have regained the lead in the N.L. East with their best two-week stretch of the season.
The Braves were off on Thursday, but will carry a seven-game winning streak into tonight’s game against Arizona. Atlanta has won 11 of its last 14 games to move one-half game ahead of Washington.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said he has seen the Braves play as well in a series, but not over a stretch as long as two weeks. He is encouraged that his lineup is proving it doesn’t have to rely on homers.
“There’s been a lot of different components for us to be winning, whether it’s the bullpen one day or starting pitchers going deep in games, whether it’s situational hitting or baserunning,” Gonzalez said. “We’re winning in different ways, I guess is a better way to describe it. We’re not relying on the home run.”
The Braves hit no homers but instead relied on clutch hitting, scoring all eight runs with two outs, in the last two games of a sweep of the Mets this week.
Ausmus, Maddon differ on derby
Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus scoffs at the idea that the home run derby could cause a slugger to go into a slump.
“It doesn’t bother me if they want to do it,” the Detroit manager said. “I find it hard to believe that one round of batting practice is going to ruin your swing for the next three months.”
There’s occasional concern that the event’s format – with players swinging for the fences repeatedly through multiple rounds – can lead to bad habits and fatigue.
Bobby Abreu won the contest with 41 homers in 2005, but he hit just six home runs after the All-Star break that season after having 18 before it. Josh Hamilton put on a stupendous display in 2008 at Yankee Stadium, hitting 28 homers in the first round of the derby. He hit just 11 home runs after the All-Star break after having 21 before it.
“They can get worn out that night,” Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. “It’s hard to imagine that it would affect them long term. My bigger concern would just be like an injury, actually, in that particular event. I’m not a fan of it.”
Clearing the bases
The return of left-hander CC Sabathia to the Yankees’ rotation is being delayed because he had swelling in his injured right knee after making his second rehabilitation start. … The Colorado Rockies activated third baseman Nolan Arenado from the 15-day disabled list on Thursday and optioned left-hander Christian Friedrich to Triple-A Colorado Springs. … The Los Angeles Dodgers have recalled infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned infielder Carlos Triunfel to the Isotopes. Triunfel, who was claimed off waivers from Seattle on April 22, hit .154 in 13 games after being recalled twice from Triple-A in June.