While the Atlanta Braves wait for the starting lineup to really find its footing, the pitching staff continues to be the driving force of the club.
There are some signs that things could be turning. Matt Olson broke out of a month-long slump with a couple of home runs as the Braves won three straight series. Atlanta also appears to have dodged an injury bullet with third baseman Austin Riley’s side. The lineup could be getting Sean Murphy back in the not-too-distant future, a return which should only help matters. Same can be said for Pierce Johnson’s return to the Braves bullpen after a two-week absence.
Meanwhile, Ronald Acuña Jr. got a day off on Wednesday. Could that little reset help take some pressure off the talented right fielder? And who in the world saw Zack Short making a big impact in his first week with the club? The new Atlanta infielder did exactly that in his first four games filling in for Riley.
Grant McAuley and Kris Willis of Battery Power cover all of that and a preview of the four-game series against the San Diego Padres.
