ATLANTA — Braves supervisor Brian Snitker wasn’t prepared to decide to Drake Baldwin staying on the large league stage as a backup catcher for an prolonged interval. However he appreciated having the prospect to carry his group’s prime prospect off the bench in the course of the thrilling five-run eighth that supplied an energizing 6-4 comeback win over the Twins on Friday night time at Truist Park.
“It was a great spot for him proper there,” Braves supervisor Brian Snitker stated. “We knew that if he was nonetheless up right here when [starting catcher Sean Murphy] got here again, we might use that bullet off the bench periodically, and he got here via.”
Baldwin’s go-ahead pinch-hit single stands as the most effective second he has skilled since making his large league debut in the course of the March 27 Opening Day recreation in San Diego. The 24-year-old catcher skilled the fun of his first profession homer in the course of the ninth inning of Wednesday’s loss in Toronto. However that second was trumped by this newest hit, which gave the house crowd an opportunity to roar and distance itself from the group’s early struggles.
“Having a win come out of it was the largest factor,” Baldwin stated. “It’s much more enjoyable after we’re successful. The primary factor right here is successful. Having the ability to do this right here was much more enjoyable.”
So might the Braves determine to proceed carrying Baldwin, even if his taking part in time can be restricted?
“You already know what I’m nervous about is tomorrow,” Snitker stated. “These issues have a means of working themselves out.”
Questioning whether or not this was the win that may flip the Braves’ season round has develop into considerably tiresome over the previous couple of weeks. This can be a group that also hasn’t gained consecutive video games. However a victorious rally like this could actually alter the temper for any group, particularly a legit preseason World Sequence hopeful that has gained simply six of its first 19 video games.
“This felt extra just like the Braves tonight,” Snitker stated. “It’s a great one to win as a result of we have been laying lifeless within the weeds for fairly some time.”
Snitker was gazing the potential of having to reply extra questions on his anemic offense and the choice to possibility AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett as an alternative of Bryce Elder, who allowed the Twins 4 runs via 5 innings. His group’s solely run via the primary 5 innings got here through Jarred Kelenic’s solo homer off Chris Paddack, who lowered his ERA from 9.49 to 7.27 after limiting the Braves to at least one run over 5 innings.
It was becoming that the decisive eighth included two key walks from Murphy and Marcell Ozuna, a few gamers who would have been included in any current discussions about how lengthy to maintain Baldwin on the large league stage.
Baldwin served as Atlanta’s major catcher whereas Murphy missed the season’s first 9 video games with a cracked left rib suffered on Feb. 28. The 2023 All-Star catcher homered 3 times via the primary 5 video games he performed after making his season debut on April 8. This has led to him serving as Atlanta’s beginning catcher for eight of the previous 10 video games.
Any considered sending Baldwin to Triple-A to get common at-bats was delayed earlier this week, when a sore hip sidelined Ozuna throughout a three-game collection in Toronto. Baldwin crammed Ozuna’s footwear because the designated hitter in two of these video games and was behind the plate within the different.
These plate appearances helped preserve Baldwin prepared for the chance that arose Friday, when Ozuna started the decisive rally with a one-out stroll. Consecutive singles from Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies have been adopted by Murphy drawing a stroll from Griffin Jax to load the bases. Michael Harris II improved to 2-for-13 with runners in scoring place with a game-tying single to proper off Cole Sands.
This set the stage for Baldwin, who thought Sands would possibly stroll him after Harris stole second base. As a substitute, the younger Braves slugger obtained the pitch he needed and laced a 109.4 mph floor ball previous a drawn-in infield and into heart.
“He’s been hitting the ball onerous all season and hasn’t had the most effective of luck,” Harris stated.
There has by no means been a lot doubt about Baldwin’s offensive potential. However would his offensive expertise be negatively impacted if he’s within the lineup solely as soon as per week? These are all issues the Braves should weigh whereas deciding whether or not they need to preserve their prime prospect within the Majors.
“Simply being lifelike, I knew [being sent down] was type of a risk,” Baldwin stated. “That was motivation for me to be as prepared as I may be for when these moments come up, simply to show to them that I can keep on this spot.”
