ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Braves have seen their double-digit lead in the NL East shrink to just three games in a little over a month as the Philadelphia Phillies have rebounded from a dismal April and climbed the National League standings under interim manager Don Mattingly.
Atlanta is 9-13 in June after losing five of six games to the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants last week. The Braves now return home for a seven-game homestand, beginning with a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals before hosting the New York Mets for four games.
With the rotation continuing to struggle with consistency and the offense mired in an extended slump, it’s unlikely general manager and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos will remain idle as the trade deadline approaches. The Braves appear likely to pursue outside help if the club’s recent issues persist.
Pitching probables
Tuesday, 7:15 p.m. - LHP Martin Perez vs. LHP Matthew Liberatore
Wednesday, 7:15 p.m. - RHP Reynaldo Lopez vs. RHP Michael McGreevy
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Thursday, 7:15 p.m. - TBD vs. RHP Dustin May
Atlanta will start Perez on Tuesday and Lopez on Wednesday. Lopez, who was moved to the bullpen near the end of April, allowed one run over three innings Friday against the San Francisco Giants before Hurston Waldrep relieved him and walked four batters over two innings in his season debut.
Manager Walt Weiss said there’s a chance Lopez and Waldrep could piggyback again on Wednesday.
Thursday’s starter, however, remains undecided. Grant Holmes was needed in relief Saturday after Bryce Elder lasted just four innings against San Francisco. Elder, who has allowed 19 earned runs over his last 14 innings spanning three starts, is lined up to pitch Thursday on regular rest. However, with his velocity down throughout Saturday’s outing, Atlanta could opt to give him extra rest. If that happens, the Braves will need to determine another option for Thursday’s start.
Right now, Holmes seems like the likely option if Elder is granted extra rest.
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Hitters to watch
Braves: Atlanta has been the worst-hitting team in the majors this month. Drake Baldwin hasn’t recorded a hit since June 17, Ha-Seong Kim has just five hits all season, and both Austin Riley and Matt Olson continue to work through prolonged slumps.
As a team, the Braves own a 65 wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus, an advanced offensive metric in which 100 is league average), by far the worst mark in Major League Baseball this month.
With the Phillies closing the gap in the NL East, Atlanta needs its lineup to rediscover the form that made it one of baseball’s most productive offenses in April and May.
Cardinals: On the other hand, St. Louis has received consistent production from Alec Burleson (.824 OPS), Ivan Herrera (.807 OPS) and Jordan Walker (.859 OPS), all of whom have been steady contributors throughout the season. All three are guys to watch and the Braves’ rotation this week is uncertain.
Injury report
Braves
- OF Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring)
- INF Kyle Farmer (forearm)
- RHP Joe Jimenez (knee)
- C Sean Murphy (middle finger)
- RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow)
- RHP AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow)
- RHP Spencer Strider (elbow)
- RHP Robert Suarez (forearm)
- LHP Danny Young (elbow)
RELATED: Braves place Robert Suarez on IL with right elbow inflammation
Cardinals
- RHP Ryan Fernandez
- RHP Dustin May (back)
- INF Ramon Urias (elbow)
How to watch Braves on Gray
The Braves and Gray Media will simulcast 25 games for free, over-the-air to fans across Braves Country through local television stations, reaching 26 markets throughout the Southeast.
Tuesday’s game will be broadcast live on Gray Media.
For broadcast times, channel information and additional details, fans are encouraged to click here and check local Gray Media station listings in their markets.
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