MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers, Padres and then chaos reigns on our Week 3 list
Our voters mostly agree that the two best teams in baseball reside in Southern California. After that? You might be surprised where your favorite squad lands.
Our voters mostly agree that the two best teams in baseball reside in Southern California. After that? You might be surprised where your favorite squad lands.
— Ian Anderson took a shutout into the seventh inning, Austin Riley homered and the Atlanta Braves scraped by with just four hits to beat punchless New York Yankees 4-1 Wednesday night.
A source close to Ronald Acuña Jr. (abdominal strain) told me he's feeling “mucho mejor” (much better!) after hitting in the cage yesterday; expects to do some work today too. Hopes to play on Friday at home vs. Arizona. But as manager Brian Snitker stated, his status will be monitored "day to day."
Yes, it's early. But that's not going to stop us from reading into what we've seen from the best -- and worst -- in baseball so far.
Freddie Freeman, the 2020 National League MVP, indicated Tuesday that he is apparently not interested in negotiating a long-term contract extension with the Atlanta Braves during the regular season.
— The New York Yankees broke their five-game losing streak with little offense, getting a run-scoring wild pitch and bases-loaded walk from Atlanta Braves reliever Nate Jones in the eighth inning that lifted them to a 3-1 victory Tuesday night.
Braves manager Brian Snitker on Ronald Acuña's abdominal strain: “Feels a lot belter; feels maybe like we dodged a bullet there. We'll see how he feels tomorrow. The good thing is that he feels a lot better.”
Freddie Freeman on Ronald Acuña's injury (abdominal strain): “It's always a concern when someone leaves the game, but with the news that he has a mild strain; not going on the IL that was big for us, so we'll see in a couple of days where we are.”
Freddie Freeman on his contract negotiations with the Braves: “There's no negotiations; there is nothing going on. I'm worried about Taillon tonight.” Freeman added he was not frustrated or worried, and that he does not think he will have any more talks in-season.
An MRI performed on Ronald Acuna Jr. showed he has a mild abdominal strain and he is day-to-day, the Atlanta Braves announced Monday.
— Freddie Freeman crushed one of Atlanta's four homers in the first inning against Kyle Hendricks, leading the Braves to a potentially costly 13-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday night.
On Sunday night, Atlanta star Ronald Acuna Jr. left the Braves' victory over the Cubs with an abdominal strain in the fourth inning.
The camaraderie between the two is as noticeable. Ask Albies about his teammate's ability and his response is simple: Anything is possible.
— Kris Bryant and Willson Contreras each homered twice, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Braves 13-4 Saturday on an afternoon when Atlanta returned Sean Kazmar Jr. to the major leagues for the first time in 13 years.
Sean Kazmar Jr. returned to the major leagues after an 13-year absence, pinch hitting for the Atlanta Braves and grounding into a double play on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs.
— Kyle Wright plunked four Cubs batters but still left with the lead after a last-minute call-up, Will Smith stranded the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Atlanta Braves escaped with a bizarre 5-2 win Friday over Chicago.
The Braves hope left-hander Drew Smyly will miss only one start after he was placed on the 10-day injured list with left forearm inflammation.
The Braves' young superstar is showing early signs of taking his game, which was great to begin with, to another level.
— Dansby Swanson's RBI single with the bases loaded capped Atlanta's two-run rally in the ninth inning and the Braves beat the Miami Marlins 7-6 Thursday to snap a four-game losing streak.
The Dodgers remain a clear No. 1 at the top -- but there is plenty of movement after that.
— Jesus Aguilar drove in the winning run with a 10th-inning double and the Miami Marlins overcame two homers by Ronald Acuña Jr. for their third straight win in Atlanta, beating the Braves 6-5 Wednesday night after squandering a 5-0 lead.
TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
New York | 7 | 6 | .538 | - | L2 |
Philadelphia | 9 | 9 | .500 | 0.5 | W1 |
Miami | 8 | 9 | .471 | 1 | W1 |
Atlanta | 8 | 10 | .444 | 1.5 | W1 |
Washington | 7 | 9 | .438 | 1.5 | W2 |