The Atlanta Braves (60-51) faced the Milwaukee Brewers (62-49) just a week ago at American Family Field, resulting in Atlanta taking two out of three games. The clubs are set for a rematch this week at Truist Park.
The Braves wrapped up their weekend series against the Miami Marlins on a sour note, dropping games on Saturday and Sunday and settling for a series split. A season of inconsistency has marred the Braves momentum again, but they will have a chance to get back on track Tuesday night against a Brewers team they have had success against at Truist Park. The Braves swept Milwaukee in Atlanta last season and have gone 14-6 against them at home over the last six seasons.
Fortunately for the Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies have slowed down considerably of late, losing eight of their last 10 games. Atlanta is in second place in the National League East – 5.5 games back. As of Tuesday morning, they are locked in a three-way tie for the top Wild Card spot with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Since facing the Braves last week, the Brewers have also struggled. They fell in two out of three games in their weekend series against the Washington Nationals. Catcher/DH William Contreras continues to lead the team offensively with a .279 batting average and .782 OPS. First baseman Rhys Hoskins' 19 homers is good for most of the team. Despite a rough stretch of baseball, Milwaukee still holds a 6.0 game lead for first place in the National League Central.
Pitching Matchups
Tuesday: RHP Bryce Elder (2-4, 5.67) vs. RHP Colin Rea (9-3, 3.59)
Wednesday: RHP Chris Sale (13-3, 2.71) vs. RHP Freddy Peralta (6-6, 3.89)
Thursday: RHP Charlie Morton (6-6, 3.94) vs. RHP Frankie Montas (5-8, 5.03)
This series will feature some familiar faces as the teams face off for the second time in a week. Bryce Elder and Chris Sale both pitched well in last week's series, including Elder earning the win in another spot start.
Atlanta has also faced all three of Milwaukee's probable starters this season. Colin Rea started game one last week, pitching well and earning a no-decision in an 8-3 Brewers' win. Freddy Peralta started Wednesday's game, giving up two homers and also earning a no-decision. The Braves faced Frankie Montas in July when he was a member of the Cincinnati Reds, tagging him for 10 hits and four runs over 4.1 innings.
Injury Update
On Monday, the Braves placed starting pitcher Reynaldo López on the 15-day injured list with right forearm inflammation. López exited his start on July 28 after just three innings and has not thrown a bullpen session since. It is unknown if he will be activated when eligible on August 18, but the timing would be perfect for a crucial series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Elder and Grant Holmes will likely continue making spot starts in his place.
Ozzie Albies (left wrist fracture) and Michael Harris II (left hamstring strain) remain out. Harris II has been doing running drills as part of his rehab and hopes to be activated off the IL when eligible on August 14.
The Brewers will again be without outfielder Christian Yelich who is dealing with low back inflammation. Milwaukee also placed reliever Trevor Megill (low back strain) on the injured list on July 29. Reliever Bryan Hudson (left oblique strain) has been excellent out of the bullpen this year but will also miss this series after beginning a rehab assignment on August 4. Outside of those players, the Brewers continue to play without starters Wade Miley (torn UCL) and Brandon Woodruff (right shoulder surgery) who are both likely out for the season.
Broadcast Information
Monday and Tuesday's games are scheduled to start at 7:20 p.m. EST. First pitch for Wednesday afternoon's game is set for 12:20 p.m. EST. The Braves broadcast for all three contests can be viewed on Bally Sports Southeast. You can listen to the games by tuning in to the Atlanta Braves Radio Network on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan and affiliates across Braves Country.
Local Atlanta, GA
Most Popular
Comments / 0