The Atlanta Braves have struggled this season offensively, there isn’t any denying it. Nonetheless, they’ve seen an uptick in offense since Sean Murphy got here again. Since his debut six video games in the past, the Braves’ offense has been the fifth finest in MLB when it comes to wRC+, third finest in fWAR, and third finest in HRs. Nonetheless, they’ve been tenth finest in precise runs produced. Tenth continues to be a win although, since earlier than that they fluctuated between the underside 5 groups in runs as much as that time.
Earlier than as we speak’s recreation, there have been rumors that Alex Verdugo might lastly be making his Braves debut. He has struggled in his twenty-two at-bats with a .182 common and .250 OBP however has a .750 OPS because of his two HRs.
I’m not saying Verdugo goes to be the reply, however he positively gained’t be any worse than Kelenic. That change might come as early as as we speak. Acuña needs to be again throughout the subsequent 2-3 weeks. https://t.co/gckfBcRgHD
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 14, 2025
As Mark Bowman identified, his efficiency couldn’t be a lot worse than Kelenic’s who’s at present sporting a .162/.270/.270 with one HR in thirty-seven at-bats.
The query has been answered on Verdugo and he’s not beginning tonight.
Marcell Ozuna will get the night time off, which leads to Sean Murphy hitting cleanup, Bryan De La Cruz hitting DH batting fifth, and Stuart Fairchild beginning in RF. Eli White additionally will get the beginning.
Not one of the Braves have confronted Easton Lucas who’s making simply his third profession begin. Lucas was transformed to a starter this season and has but to surrender an earned run.
Grant Holmes has struggled with walks to this point this season having a 19.5 % stroll fee which locations him within the worst 5 % of certified pitchers. He does have a barely higher than league common 4.00 ERA, however has indicators of regression.
Solely 4 Blue Jays have confronted Holmes earlier than, however every solely have one at-bat. Three of the 4 had successful which produced an RBI. Ernie Clement, Nathan Lukes, and Will Wagner had been those with hits, whereas Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was unable to get successful. These are clearly tiny pattern sizes and certain don’t imply a lot within the massive scope of issues. Nonetheless, it’s clear that Holmes did battle in his 0.2 inning efficiency on September seventh final season in opposition to the Jays giving up three runs on three hits to those gamers.
Wagner will not be beginning so solely three of the gamers who’ve confronted Holmes earlier than will seemingly face him. Two massive names for the Blue Jays aren’t within the lineup. George Springer continues to be day-to-day and won’t begin tonight, and Daulton Varsho continues to be on the IL.
