The Atlanta Braves won on opening day for the first time since 2018.
Sure, it was against the lowly Nationals, but for a team looking for an easier path than magical midseason turnarounds to win their division (like their last two seasons), it is preferable start strong.
The biggest story of this game was actually the injury suffered by Braves ace SP Max Fried, who experienced “hamstring discomfort” in the fourth inning after covering first base on a routine 3-1 putout.
He attempted one more pitch before exiting the game after just 3.1 innings.
He expressed optimism after the game, stating his feeling that the injury is not severe.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said that the team will likely place Fried on the IL, as he will “definitely” miss at least one start.
When he was pitching, Fried was his usual dominant self. His one run allowed was fluky, as the scoring runner reached base due to SS Orlando Arcia losing a pop-up in the sun. The runner reached third following a line-scraping double that was barely fair down the third base line, and then scored on a sacrifice fly.
Fried displayed his characteristic confidence, throwing 28 strikes in 43 pitches thrown. Fried is one of the few pitchers in MLB who possesses both elite ‘stuff’ and the confidence to attack batters with it. The Braves will feel every start he misses, but have the depth to weather his absence.
More positively for Atlanta, catcher Travis d’Arnaud had four hits, including a two-run double in the top of the ninth inning to give the Braves insurance. d’Arnaud has been pushed to the backup catcher/ primary DH role with the addition of Sean Murphy, and reaffirmed that he is worthy of being an every-day bat in Atlanta’s lineup.
Murphy was strong behind the plate, calling an excellent game for the six pitchers who entered the game for the Braves. He struggled at the plate however, ending the day 0-5 and stranding seven runners on base.
Acuña Appears to be Back
Ronald Acuña Jr looks like himself again. He reached on a leadoff single to start the Braves season, and immediately stole second base. He ended the day 2-6, but was victim to a highlight reel robbery by Nationals CF Victor Robles.
The ball would likely have left the park if not for strong winds blowing in from center field.
Robles’ defensive prowess is something Nats fans can look forward to every night. Braves fans should just be encouraged that Acuña displayed his usual power.
Arcia Contract Extension
Just before the start of play yesterday, the Braves announced that they signed SS Orlando Arcia to a three year contract extension, worth $7.3 million.
Arcia has filled in at second base and shortstop for the Braves since 2021, and has earned himself an extended stay in Atlanta. This deal is excellent for the Braves, who lock up a dependable bench player for relatively cheap. For Arcia, he remains in a clubhouse where he is respected and appreciated, and has a chance to be a starter again.
Snitker praised Arcia for his attitude and energy in spring training. He noted that Arcia was “nowhere to be found” in the conversation for starting shortstop, but had a nice spring and earned the job.
Braves Bullpen Impresses
If you asked anyone in the Braves bullpen, they probably would tell you that they didn’t expect to be pitching in the fourth inning of a Max Fried start.
Such was the case for Braves newcomer Luke Luetge, who was called upon to replace the injured Fried.
In total, the Braves pen gave up just one earned run in 5.2 innings of work, picking up where their injured teammate left off.
The Atlanta bullpen is arguably their greatest strength as a team, and it showed on opening day. Veterans Luetge, Jesse Chaves, and Colin McHugh pitched with the consistency they have shown over their decade-plus careers. Relative youngster Dylan Lee, who started a game in the 2021 World Series for Atlanta, was efficient in his appearance.
None impressed quite like AJ Minter, who is the Braves interim closer while Raisel Iglesias recovers from shoulder inflammation. Minter has an electric fastball/cutter combination, and struck out one while sealing the game for the Braves.
Minter typically would not enter with a 7-2 Braves lead, but was already warmed up by the time Travis d’Arnaud broke the game open with his ninth inning double.
Looking Ahead
The Braves have a day off today and will resume their three game set in DC on Saturday. 2022 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up Spencer Strider will start for Atlanta against Josiah Gray for the Nationals.
Gray was the Dodgers third-ranked prospect in 2021, when he was traded to the Nationals as a part of the package for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. The 25 year old RHP posted a 5.02 ERA in 28 starts for DC in 2022.
Strider looks to build from a record-breaking rookie season in which he posted a 2.69 ERA in 31 games for Atlanta, including 20 starts. He is the fastest player in MLB history to reach 200 strikeouts in a season, achieving this milestone in 130 innings pitched. The previous record holder was some guy named Randy Johnson.
Strider regularly embarrasses some of the best baseball players in the world with the league’s best fastball, and compliments this with a wipeout slider.
To get you ready, here is Strider’s 16 strikeout game against the Rockies from 2022.
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