http://mlb.mlb.com ATL Homepage News Mon, 20 May 2013 14:33:33 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_19_lanmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=atl Sun, 19 May 2013 21:09:28 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_19_lanmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=atl Still riding the momentum of the late-inning home runs that propelled them to victories the previous two days, the Braves played some small ball and manufactured four eighth-inning runs to complete a three-game sweep with Sunday's 5-2 win against the Dodgers at a rain-soaked Turner Field. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_20_minmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=preview&vkey=preview_web_home&c_id=atl Sun, 19 May 2013 21:19:35 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_20_minmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=preview&vkey=preview_web_home&c_id=atl Other than an exhibition game before the 2011 season, all nine of Atlanta and Minnesota's meetings since the 1991 World Series have taken place in Minnesota. But that run will come to an end Monday night, when the Braves welcome the Twins to Turner Field for the start of a three-game series, pitting Kevin Correia against Julio Teheran. Andrew Simon http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47982334&notebook_id=47985898&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Sun, 19 May 2013 14:40:13 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47982334&notebook_id=47985898&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Kris Medlen certainly had reason to be encouraged after limiting the Dodgers to two hits and one unearned run in seven innings of Saturday night's 3-1 win at Turner Field. But the Braves right-hander was frustrated that he issued three walks. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47982334&notebook_id=47985792&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Sun, 19 May 2013 14:40:06 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47982334&notebook_id=47985792&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl With the help of hitting coach Greg Walker, Chris Johnson has altered his approach against left-handed pitchers and found immediate success. With the three hits he recorded Saturday against Dodgers southpaw Chris Capuano, Johnson entered Sunday leading the Majors with a .435 batting average against left-handed pitchers. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47983922&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Sun, 19 May 2013 13:19:09 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47983922&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl As Eric O'Flaherty's left arm occasionally bothered him over the past few weeks, he was hopeful he could battle through it, like he had during last season's final month. But O'Flaherty's greatest fear was realized Saturday, when an MRI exam revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47930124&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Sat, 18 May 2013 23:16:02 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47930124&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl The Atlanta Braves have been known for their admirable pitching depth, not only at the Major League level, but throughout their organization. They're going to require a show of that depth, now, and for some time to come. Mike Bauman http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_18_lanmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=atl Sun, 19 May 2013 00:14:54 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_18_lanmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=atl Evan Gattis added to his legend with a two-run, pinch-hit home run off Kenley Jansen, and Andrelton Simmons followed with a home run of his own to cap a three-run eighth inning that provided the Braves a 3-1 win against the Dodgers. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47922158&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Sun, 19 May 2013 00:34:56 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47922158&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl In a rare show of in-game sportsmanship, Braves slugger Jason Heyward tipped his helmet in admiration after Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp robbed him of a potential home run. Ken Gurnick http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47914760&notebook_id=47917810&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Sun, 19 May 2013 00:24:39 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47914760&notebook_id=47917810&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Now that All-Star catcher Brian McCann and right fielder Jason Heyward have returned from their extended stints on the disabled list, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez faces the challenge of finding playing time for Evan Gattis. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47914760&notebook_id=47917806&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Sat, 18 May 2013 19:59:31 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47914760&notebook_id=47917806&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Even after an MRI exam showed a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of O'Flaherty's left elbow Saturday, Braves general manager Frank Wren said the team would continue to utilize a six-man bullpen, which is also without Jordan Walden, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of right shoulder inflammation. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47914760&notebook_id=47914876&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Sat, 18 May 2013 19:00:46 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47914760&notebook_id=47914876&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl A Saturday MRI exam showed a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of setup man Eric O'Flaherty's left elbow. The Braves placed him on the 15-day disabled list, and O'Flaherty will visit Dr. James Andrews within the next few days to learn whether he will need to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47857160&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Fri, 17 May 2013 23:54:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47857160&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl The Braves have played 63.4 percent of their games on the road. And they have played considerable stretches of the early season without some of their most important personnel. It's not hard to see that even in first place, their overall direction should be upward. Mike Bauman http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_17_lanmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=atl Sat, 18 May 2013 00:36:43 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_17_lanmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=atl Justin Upton carried the Braves through the month of April with a flurry of home runs. But none of them were as timely as the monstrous sixth-inning grand slam that proved decisive in Friday night's 8-5 win against the Dodgers at Turner Field. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47812866&notebook_id=47813428&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Fri, 17 May 2013 19:46:36 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47812866&notebook_id=47813428&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Jonny Venters understands that he endured a heavy workload during his first two seasons at the Major League level. But a day after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in eight years, the Braves left-handed reliever expressed no regrets. Mark Bowman and Eric Single http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47812866&notebook_id=47813424&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Fri, 17 May 2013 19:46:23 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47812866&notebook_id=47813424&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Brandon Beachy will move closer to a return to Atlanta's rotation Sunday, when he is scheduled to start for Triple-A Gwinnett. It will be the first official Minor League rehab start for the right-hander, who underwent Tommy John surgery last June. Mark Bowman and Eric Single http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47800248&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Sat, 18 May 2013 00:52:47 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47800248&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Confident that Jason Heyward had taken all of the necessary steps to recover from an emergency appendectomy, the Braves activated the right fielder from the disabled list Friday, then reaped the benefits a few hours later, as he recorded two hits and drew a key walk in an 8-5 series-opening win against the Dodgers at Turner Field. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130516&content_id=47721364&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Thu, 16 May 2013 16:50:40 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130516&content_id=47721364&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl An obvious sense of discouragement was displayed as the Braves packed their bags and prepared to exit Arizona's Chase Field late Wednesday afternoon. For the second time in less than a month, they had completed a grueling 10-game road trip in disappointing fashion. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130516&content_id=47716616&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Thu, 16 May 2013 17:10:02 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130516&content_id=47716616&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Jonny Venters underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament on Thursday afternoon in Gulf Breeze, Fla. This marked the second time in eight years that Dr. James Andrews performed the surgical procedure on the Braves reliever. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130516&content_id=47714930&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Thu, 16 May 2013 14:30:12 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130516&content_id=47714930&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl J.R. Graham, the Braves' No. 1 prospect and No. 95 overall, was put on the disabled list on Tuesday with what was officially listed as a right shoulder strain. Jonathan Mayo http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47606154&notebook_id=47621372&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Wed, 15 May 2013 15:26:43 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47606154&notebook_id=47621372&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez recognizes the potential consequences of working with a six-man bullpen. But if his starting pitchers continue to perform like they have throughout most of the early part of this season, there might not be a need to carry a seventh reliever. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47606154&notebook_id=47621370&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Wed, 15 May 2013 15:26:40 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47606154&notebook_id=47621370&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl If Brandon Beachy continues to progress through the final stages of his recovery from Tommy John surgery, the Braves could have a tough decision in about a month. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_15_atlmlb_arimlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=atl Wed, 15 May 2013 20:58:12 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_15_atlmlb_arimlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=atl Few people know Tim Hudson as well as Eric Chavez. Unfortunately for Hudson, this proved to be a detriment on Wednesday afternoon at Chase Field. Chavez drew first blood with a first-inning RBI single and then delivered a two-out, two-run double in the four-run fifth that sunk the Braves in a 5-3 loss to the D-backs. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_14_atlmlb_arimlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=atl Wed, 15 May 2013 03:05:22 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_14_atlmlb_arimlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=atl Patrick Corbin proved to be a little better than Julio Teheran as he completed seven scoreless innings and benefited from a soft double in a two-run third inning that proved decisive in the D-backs' 2-0 win over the Braves on Tuesday night. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47535844&notebook_id=47540334&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Tue, 14 May 2013 21:34:25 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47535844&notebook_id=47540334&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl The veteran Braves catcher has made a good impression during his first week back at the Major League level. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47535844&notebook_id=47537656&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Tue, 14 May 2013 21:19:21 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47535844&notebook_id=47537656&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl B.J. Upton was not in the Braves lineup for Tuesday night, but the veteran center fielder said he probably will play Wednesday. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47464396&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Tue, 14 May 2013 01:40:46 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47464396&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Braves center fielder B.J. Upton was fortunate to avoid serious injury when he was hit in the left shoulder by a Wade Miley fastball during the sixth inning of Monday night's 10-1 win against the D-backs at Chase Field. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130513&content_id=47463618&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Tue, 14 May 2013 00:12:14 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130513&content_id=47463618&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Braves outfielder Jason Heyward started in right field for Triple-A Gwinnett for the first time since his emergency appendectomy on April 23 on Monday night. Andrew Kappes http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_13_atlmlb_arimlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=atl Tue, 14 May 2013 02:28:18 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_13_atlmlb_arimlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=atl Justin Upton and Chris Johnson both hit two-run home runs and each finished a triple shy of the cycle while enjoying a successful homecoming and helping the Braves snap a three-game losing streak with Monday night's 10-1 win over the D-backs at Chase Field. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130513&content_id=47433662&notebook_id=47433676&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl Mon, 13 May 2013 19:59:59 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130513&content_id=47433662&notebook_id=47433676&vkey=notebook_atl&c_id=atl When Jonny Venters visited Dr. James Andrews six weeks ago, he gained hope that he could avoid undergoing elbow surgery. But the Braves' left-handed reliever is not expected to receive the same kind of encouragement when he visits the noted surgeon again on Thursday. Mark Bowman http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130513&content_id=47423488&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Tue, 14 May 2013 01:34:18 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130513&content_id=47423488&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl Justin Upton was back at Chase Field on Monday for the first time since the offseason trade that sent him to the Braves. Upton was the top pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft by the D-backs and played six seasons in Arizona, earning two All-Star nods and making two playoff appearances. Steve Gilbert