SAN FRANCISCO — A dominant Logan Webb prevented the Braves from overcoming Max Fried’s one unhealthy inning. However a 6-0 loss to the Giants on Thursday afternoon at Oracle Park could be only a bump within the highway for an Atlanta membership that’s lastly on the right track, so long as Jorge Soler returns quickly.
Michael Harris II returned from the 60-day injured record on Wednesday and from an optimistic viewpoint, Soler could possibly be again within the lineup throughout this weekend’s sequence in opposition to the Angels. The veteran outfielder exited Wednesday night time’s win with tightness in his left hamstring. However an MRI examination accomplished Thursday confirmed only a delicate pressure.
“I’m feeling fairly good proper now,” Soler mentioned by means of an interpreter. “[Friday] I’m not taking part in. However I don’t know, I’m undecided if I’ll be taking part in [Saturday or Sunday].”
So, you’re saying there’s an opportunity?
“[Hamstrings] are so totally different with all people,” Braves supervisor Brian Snitker mentioned. “The delicate ones linger. Hamstrings and obliques, you will get them checked out. However all people’s totally different. Everyone heals totally different. It actually is a day-to-day factor.”
“Daily” can at the least at present be thought-about excellent news. Soler has hit .355 with 4 homers and a 1.280 OPS over his previous 9 video games. Dropping him instantly after Harris returned can be one other merciless twist to the season.
“I wakened feeling higher,” Soler mentioned. “Yesterday I wakened feeling soreness. I’m undecided how I’m going to get up feeling tomorrow. However I’m simply [appreciating] the excellent news.”
Optimistic health-related information has been a rarity for the Braves. However All-Star Reynaldo López is ready to come back off the injured record to start out in opposition to the Phillies early subsequent week. And regardless of laboring by means of a two-run second on Thursday, Fried has steadily regained his command whereas making three begins since coming off the IL.
Chris Sale, López and Fried represented the Braves on the All-Star Recreation. However subsequent week will mark the primary time they’ve been within the rotation on the identical time since. That’s excellent news for a workforce that took three of 4 in San Francisco after blowing a six-run, eighth-inning lead on Sunday at Coors Subject.
In reality, the Braves have the choice to start out Sale, López and Fried throughout subsequent week’s residence sequence in opposition to the first-place Phillies. Regardless of going 11-15 for the reason that All-Star break, Atlanta stays simply 6 1/2 video games behind Philadelphia within the NL East.
Subsequent week’s matchup will considerably affect the Braves’ bid for a seventh straight Nationwide League East title.
The Braves chased Giants starter Robbie Ray in Wednesday’s first inning however discovered no comparable reply for Webb, who allowed three hits over 7 2/3 scoreless innings. He has allowed two runs or fewer in six of eight begins in opposition to Atlanta.
Fried missed the primary two weeks of the second half due to a nerve situation in his left elbow. The lefty issued 5 walks in simply 3 1/3 innings in opposition to the Marlins when he was activated on Aug. 4. He allowed seven hits and issued three extra walks over 5 innings at Coors Subject on Saturday. However he recorded 9 strikeouts and retired every of the ultimate seven batters confronted.
Fried made extra progress whereas permitting three runs over 5 1/3 innings in opposition to the Giants. One of many runs charged to him scored on the primary of two homers Jesse Chavez allowed within the sixth. The Braves’ starter didn’t face greater than 4 batters in 4 of his 5 full innings. However he confronted eight batters earlier than recording the third out within the second.
Jerar Encarnacion, Mike Yastrzemski and Casey Schmitt singled to start the inning. Grant McCray dropped a one-out bunt in entrance of the plate, proper to Fried, however the pitcher’s flip was dropped by catcher Travis d’Arnaud to permit the sport’s first run to attain. Tyler Fitzgerald adopted with a sacrifice fly.
“We’re at a time of the yr when it’s nearly getting the job achieved,” Fried mentioned. “Each time we go on the market, we’re seeking to win that recreation. So, sadly, I don’t assume I used to be in a position to be sharp sufficient or deliver what we would have liked to be in that place at this time.”
Nonetheless, the Braves are in a greater spot than they have been once they left Denver this week.
“We had most likely our lowest level of the yr and adopted that with three [wins] in a row,” Snitker mentioned. “I feel that’s good. You hate to lose any recreation this time of yr. Each recreation is essential.”
The identical could be mentioned about damage updates.
