There wasn’t a whole lot of positives to takeaway from the Atlanta Braves’ series loss to the Washington Nationals. Thursday’s loss ensured that the Braves will have a losing record in May, snapping a stretch of 14 straight months without a losing record, dating back to May 2022.
The series was a familiar refrain of late. Charlie Morton got knocked around in the opener, but otherwise the pitching was good enough and highlighted by another splendid performance by Max Fried. The offense lagged behind again, though, going 3-for-26 in the series with runners in scoring position while racking up 43 strikeouts in the four games. Atlanta homered twice in four games in the series and now rank 16th in the majors with 56. The Braves had three barrels in the series finale, none of which were homers, and two of which were outs. In total, the Braves had eight barrels to the Nationals’ four in the four games, but got just four hits and two homers on them; the Nationals went 4-for-4 with a homer on barrels.
Marcell Ozuna continues his hot start
Where would these Braves be without Marcell Ozuna? It is a scary thought, and not just because we’d have one fewer takeaway to write about in each series. Ozuna extended his on-base streak to 23 consecutive games with a two-hit night Thursday. He is the third Braves player in the modern era to enter Memorial Day with at least 15 homers and an OPS over 1.000. Hank Aaron did it twice in 1970 and 1971. Andres Galarraga also did it in 1998.
Ozuna hit his 16th home run of the season in Tuesday’s game and leads the National League. He is currently tied for fourth in longballs in the majors behind Kyle Tucker, Gunnar Henderson and Aaron Judge.
Max Fried is back
If there were any doubts after Fried allowed 10 runs over his first five innings this season, he has erased them entirely. Fried tossed eight more scoreless innings in Tuesday’s win. He has four scoreless starts this season, three of which are at least seven innings. His 1.75 ERA since April 12 is the fifth-best mark in the majors during that span among qualified pitchers.
Fried struck out Riley Adams in the fifth inning Tuesday for his 750th career strikeout. He became the sixth left-hander in Braves history with at least 750 strikeouts joining Warren Spahn (2,493), Tom Glavine (2,091), Denny Lemaster (842), Lefty Tyler (827) and Steve Avery (815).
Spencer Schwellenbach likely to stick in rotation for another turn
Spencer Schwellenbach made his major league debut on Wednesday where he allowed three runs over five innings. Schwellenbach became the 24th player to be promoted directly to Atlanta from Mississippi. He was the first pitcher to do so since Max Fried in 2017.
There was a question as to whether or not his debut was going to be a one-off appearance or would he stick around in the rotation. The Braves made a roster move Thursday placing A.J. Minter on the 15-day Injured List. Jimmy Herget was recalled to take his spot on the roster. Schwellenbach remains on the active roster.
Brian Snitker acknowledged the fact prior to Thursday’s game and said that barring something unexpected, Schwellenbach will get another turn.
#Braves’ Snitker was asked if they’ve decided whether Schwellenbach will stay to make another start, and answered, “He’s still here.” Barring something unexpected or sudden need to use him in relief, sure seems like Schwellenbach will stay with team for at least a second start.
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 30, 2024
