Woodruff, Lewis among 63 new free agents as 19 players reach deals and teams make flurry of trades
Starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff was cut loose by Milwaukee and former AL Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis by Arizona, among 63 players who became free agents when their teams declined to offer 2024 contracts.
Braves add RHP Daysbel Hernรกndez to NLDS roster, Phillies go with RHP Michael Lorenzen
The Atlanta Braves made several surprising roster moves for the NL Division Series, adding hard-throwing reliever Daysbel Hernรกndez and top prospect AJ Smith- Shawver ahead of Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Braves RHP Charlie Morton goes on IL with finger issue, making him ineligible for NLDS
The Atlanta Braves took another blow to their injury-plagued rotation, placing right-hander Charlie Morton on the 15-day injured list.
Braves rookie Strider tagged in return, Phils win, lead NLDS
Atlanta Braves rookie Spencer Strider returned to the mound for the first time in nearly a month and was tagged by the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the NL Division Series.
Wright outduels Wheeler, Braves blank Phils 3-0 to even NLDS
Kyle Wright threw six brilliant innings to outduel Zack Wheeler, and the Atlanta Braves evened their NL Division Series at one game apiece with a 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Castellanos' bat, glove help Phillies top Braves 7-6 in NLDS
Nick Castellanos drove in three runs and made a potentially game-saving catch in the ninth inning, lifting the Philadelphia Phillies over the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves 7-6 in the opener of their NL Division Series.
Phillies' Robertson injured celebrating, off NLDS roster
Philadelphia Phillies reliever David Robertson will miss the NL Division Series after injuring his right calf jumping to celebrate Bryce Harperโs home run in their clinching wild-card victory at St. Louis.
Arraez, McNeil win batting titles, Judge misses Triple Crown
Minnesotaโs Luis Arraez finished with the lowest average for an American League batting champion since 1968, and the Metsโ Jeff McNeil won the National League title.
Swanson, Olson go deep vs Scherzer, Braves take NL East lead
Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson homered off Max Scherzer, lifting the Atlanta Braves to a crucial 4-2 victory over the New York Mets and a one-game lead in the NL East.
Braves hit 3 HRs off deGrom, beat Mets, tie for NL East lead
Austin Riley and Matt Olson hit back-to-back homers off Jacob deGrom in the second inning and Dansby Swanson later connected off the Mets ace as the Atlanta Braves beat New York 5-2 to move into a tie for the NL East lead.
Olson HR vs former team, surging Braves top A's, catch Mets
Matt Olson hit a three-run homer against his former club and the Atlanta Braves won their sixth in a row, outslugging the Oakland Athletics 10-9 and finally catching the slumping Mets atop the NL East.
Wright wins 17th; Riley, Acuรฑa homer as Braves edge Rockies
Kyle Wright pitched seven scoreless innings to earn his major league-leading 17th victory, Austin Riley and Ronald Acuรฑa Jr. homered, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2.
Freeman, Dodgers edge Marlins 3-2 in 10 innings
Freddie Freeman drove in the go-ahead run with a grounder in the top of the 10th inning, Chris Martin escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom half and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Miami Marlins 3-2.
Dodgers All-Star pitcher Gonsolin out with forearm strain
The Los Angeles Dodgers have put All-Star pitcher Tony Gonsolin on the injured list because of a strained right forearm, making the move as a precaution hours before his scheduled start at Miami.
LEADING OFF: Royals down 10 unvaccinated players in Toronto
The Royals will be without 10 of the 26 players on their active roster for their upcoming trip to Toronto due to Canadian restrictions on travelers who arenโt vaccinated against COVID-19.
Braves' 14-game win streak, Cubs' 10-game skid both end
The Chicago Cubs became the first team in 23 years to stop a losing streak of 10 or more game while ending an opponentโs winning streak of at least 10 games, beating the Braves 1-0 to end the Bravesโ 14-game run.
Duvall homers twice, Braves beat Bucs for 11th straight win
Adam Duvall homered twice off Josรฉ Quintana, William Contreras and Matt Olson also connected, and the Atlanta Braves won their 11th straight game, 5-3 over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
LEADING OFF: Braves, Phils keep winning, Melvin out
Ozzie Albies and the Atlanta Braves have won 10 straight going into their home game Sunday against Pittsburgh, while rookie Bryson Stott and the Phillies have a nine-game winning streak as they host Arizona.
Albies slam leads Braves to 10th in row, 10-4 over Pirates
Dansby Swanson blooped a three-run single, Ozzie Albies added a grand slam in an eight-run seventh inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-4 for their 10th consecutive win.
Ozuna, Riley spur 4-run rally in 8th, Braves top Padres
Marcell Ozuna homered and Austin Riley hit a tiebreaking double during a four-run rally in the eighth inning that lifted the Atlanta Braves to a 6-5 victory over the San Diego Padres.
Acuรฑa returns, Wright dominant again, Braves beat Cubs 5-1
Ronald Acuรฑa Jr. went 1 for 5 with two stolen bases in his return to the Braves lineup, but it was Kyle Wright who claimed a starring role, pitching three-hit ball over a career-high seven innings to give Atlanta a 5-1 win over the Cubs.
Musgrove, Machado lead Padres to 12-1 win over Braves
Joe Musgrove pitched 6 2/3 brilliant innings for his hometown Padres against defending World Series champion Atlanta, Manny Machado homered for his career-high fifth hit and rookie C.
Morton sharp in return from broken leg, Braves top Reds 7-6
Charlie Morton allowed only two hits while pitching into the sixth inning while returning from a broken leg, Travis dโArnaud drove in three runs and the Atlanta Braves held off the Cincinnati Reds 7-6.
![The Latest: Braves take 1-0 Series advantage over Astros](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/WiW84ob2A83_QylJ1e-uOhg5o_o=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/LI3AVIL3P5G2DMID26A5KJZ4CE.jpg)
The Latest: Braves take 1-0 Series advantage over Astros
Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 in Tuesday nightโs opener despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg.
![Lindor, Mets talk about new deal; Rosario struggles in CF](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/cvitFJRPEijnEn7dkpFbPPSXuZs=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TMAQNJX6LVCGJFTEPWQ5PN66LI.jpg)
Lindor, Mets talk about new deal; Rosario struggles in CF
โWeโre just talking.โThe Mets obtained Lindor from Cleveland in January, and he's signed for this season at $22.3 million. Canning now has 13 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has permitted three hits in 8 2/3 innings with 16 strikeouts and a walk. Nola has given up 15 hits in 8 2/3 innings, seeing his ERA rise to 10.38. Kyle Wright made his fourth start, giving up two runs on three hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings.
![Ohtani fans 5 in return to mound; Harper HR on 1st swing](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/pQcqCgH7mzO28phckEKYOwtg8ek=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/JZ5YJS7NARE43DN2M5OEFACUJY.jpg)
Ohtani fans 5 in return to mound; Harper HR on 1st swing
The 2018 AL Rookie of the Year is off to a strong start this spring on both sides. PHILLIES 3, PIRATES 0Bryce Harper homered on his first swing of spring training, launching a opposite-field drive to left. Chad Kuhl made his second start for Pittsburgh, allowing two runs on three hits. Brad Keller worked three innings in the start for the Royals and allowed a run on four hits and two walks. BRAVES 4, TWINS 0 (7)Kyle Wright fared much better in his second start for Atlanta, allowing one hit in three shutout innings with two strikeouts.
![Spring games begin with fans, new faces, moment for Mancini](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/J7cEynIYuEJRr4Gr-yqu0UjzaBs=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/UM2NIP63FBCEZARH4A2JCUAITU.jpg)
Spring games begin with fans, new faces, moment for Mancini
AdJazz Chisholm of the Marlins and Adam Haseley of the Phillies did even better โ they led off games with home runs. Mancini took off his helmet to acknowledge a standing ovation that included the fans, the Orioles and the Pirates. Marco Gonzales made his first spring start for Seattle, allowing two hits and an unearned run in two innings. Center fielder Trent Grisham, coming off his first Gold Glove last season, doubled and scored a run for San Diego. Top prospect Jeter Downs had a two-run home run and RBI single, while Michael Chavis hit a solo shot.
![Braves' 1st playoff loss a doozy, 15-3 to LA in NLCS Game 3](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/QiXFbs9ZDAf8UFMU8IcKyIHqKz8=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/O2NC3K4ZMRFBXOANF6K5QRDAEM.jpg)
Braves' 1st playoff loss a doozy, 15-3 to LA in NLCS Game 3
(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas โ The Baby Braves were the Battered Braves in their first loss of these playoffs. The 15 runs allowed in the first three innings were more than the Braves permitted in their first seven postseason games combined. And those 13 previous runs included seven scored by Los Angeles in the final three innings of Atlanta's 8-7 win in Game 2. Bartolo Colon (seven runs) and Steve Reed (eight) did it with Cleveland in a 23-7 loss to Boston in Game 4 of the 1999 ALDS. Snitker seemed to suggest a bullpen game was possible, depending on how deep Wilson gets into Game 4.
![11-spot: Dodgers huge 1st in 15-3 win over Braves in NLCS](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/K3Giw029tNM6qMI2GCz-dRzMYRM=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/H6VDKGTP6NEDBH46AUF35TIF2M.jpg)
11-spot: Dodgers huge 1st in 15-3 win over Braves in NLCS
The Dodgers set franchise postseason records for runs and home runs with five, cutting their NLCS deficit to 2 games to 1. Winner Julio Urรญas, made his first postseason start and improved to 3-0 in these playoffs, striking out five while allowing one run and three hits over five innings. LOT OF BIG NUMBERSThe 15 runs matched the most in an NLCS game โ the Braves beat the St. Louis Cardinals 15-0 in Game 7 of the 1996 NLCS. ... Only the Chicago Cubs, with six in Game 3 of the 2015 NLDS, hit more homers in any postseason game. The Dodgersโ eight extra-base hits matched the franchise record for a postseason game, and their 18 total bases in the first were an MLB record for an inning.
![Dodgers score record 11 runs in 1st inning vs Braves in NLCS](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/iH3fH1I2MkuyCEcj_1yU0K4gUag=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ROZDUJKALNFADHRVYNEP4SZF3A.jpg)
Dodgers score record 11 runs in 1st inning vs Braves in NLCS
(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas โ Max Muncy hit a grand slam to cap an 11-run first inning for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series, the highest-scoring inning ever in a postseason game. The 11 runs came against the Atlanta Braves, who were also on the wrong side of matching the previous mark. They allowed 10 runs in the first inning in the deciding Game 5 of the NL Division Series against St. Louis last season. The Dodgers scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning of an 8-7 loss, then had the 11-run first Wednesday. Los Angeles tied a franchise record for a postseason game with its four homers through two innings.
![LEADING OFF: Down 0-2 in NLCS, Dodgers turn to Urรญas](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/kStKlJNnOx6N9BvGRuQq-TVhdvg=/1600x899/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NXQXBIS5O5CZFPY3RNACWRVT7E.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Down 0-2 in NLCS, Dodgers turn to Urรญas
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was scratched from his scheduled Game 2 start Tuesday due to back spasms. The team still expects he'll be able to pitch later in the series, but it will be Urรญas in Game 3 against Braves rookie Kyle Wright. Urรญas, already pitching in his fourth postseason, was the winner in relief in the Game 3 clincher last Thursday against San Diego during the Division Series. There have been 14 teams take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven NLCS, and all have gone on to win the pennant. Heโll pitch in AL Championship Series Game 4 against Houston on four daysโ rest.
![Freeman, Albies HR again, Braves hang on for 2-0 NLCS lead](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/wWwBhl-8A9NEoUFm4itFWaJWR7k=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/6VKAZV6PMJHKFOA7WH5CTXNSAU.jpg)
Freeman, Albies HR again, Braves hang on for 2-0 NLCS lead
Freddie Freeman also homered for the second night in a row, and the streaking Braves beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-7 on Tuesday to take a 2-0 lead in the National League Championship Series. โI didnโt feel good with a big lead because these guys are too powerful, and thatโs a good ballgame to win. All previous 14 teams to win the first two games of a best-of-seven NLCS went on to take the pennant. Kyle Wright, another rookie right-hander, is on the mound for the Braves, who have outscored opponents 37-13 in the playoffs. ... Freeman and Albies joined Swanson and dโArnaud by homering in back-to-back Braves games this postseason.
![Braves grown up a bit for NLCS matchup against the Dodgers](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/QxGpbz2pLEe5y_SeEsCJbM4jMt8=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HMOEVW6SNJDEPCOG7JJZ5PM6NY.jpg)
Braves grown up a bit for NLCS matchup against the Dodgers
(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas โ Those Baby Braves that faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs two years ago have grown up a little bit, and have even won a couple of postseason series. โWeโre really, really strong. There will still be no fans for the AL Championship Series games in San Diego. That allotment sold out for Game 1 and three other NLCS games so far, as well as all every World Series game. SHORT HOPSBraves third base coach Ron Washington was manager of the Texas Rangers from 2007-14, including their only World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
![LEADING OFF: Yanks' Cole, Rays' Glasnow tabbed for Game 5](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/hzfAeER5w7zi6cEgDgjQxr8qdao=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/Q3WN275GARDCBBA72R6C3I2SFA.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Yanks' Cole, Rays' Glasnow tabbed for Game 5
A look at what's happening around the majors today:___WINNER-TAKE-ALLYankees ace Gerrit Cole and towering Tampa Bay righty Tyler Glasnow will both pitch on short rest in the deciding Game 5 of their AL Division Series. Cole earned the victory in Game 1 despite allowing two home runs, and heโll appear on three daysโ rest after throwing 97 pitches. The 6-foot-8 Glasnow will be pitching on two daysโ rest after striking out 10 in Game 2. โI havenโt really talked about innings or anything like that,โ Glasnow said after New York won 5-1 Thursday to force Game 5. The Rays are trying to advance to the ALCS for the first time since 2008, when they made it to their only World Series.
![Wright, d'Arnaud lead Braves to sweep Marlins, reach NLCS](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/zNR45xm8X9MYeNxbvdmiqPYD64A=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WCZIO5KEYJBCNOFH5AIHZCRHFA.jpg)
Wright, d'Arnaud lead Braves to sweep Marlins, reach NLCS
Atlanta Braves players celebrate after defeating the Miami Marlins in Game 3 of a baseball National League Division Series, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, in Houston. The Braves are 5-0 with a 0.92 ERA in the postseason, allowing five runs in 49 innings. Theyโre the second team in history to throw four shutouts in the first five playoff games, joining the 1905 New York Giants. DโArnaud knocked a double off the bullpen in right-center to send two home and extend the lead to 3-0. The Marlins had a chance to cut into the lead in the bottom of the inning when they loaded the bases with two outs.
![LEADING OFF: Homers fly in playoffs, Atlanta arms dominate](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/Iju2VXmN43zai6MtBXfGJT8Et-E=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HOC4C6UJPJABJGVIUA6I54WHX4.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Homers fly in playoffs, Atlanta arms dominate
That average of 2.93 homers per postseason game tops the regular-season mark of 2.57. The Athletics and Astros combined to connect seven times as the Aโs avoided a sweep with a 9-7 win. Houston will make another attempt to advance to its fourth consecutive ALCS in Game 4 on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. Kyle Wright will make his postseason debut when he starts against Miami rookie Sixto Sanchez as Atlanta aims to sweep the best-of-five NL Division Series. ESPNโs wild-card game averaged 5,591,000 to 7,604,000 from 2014-17.
![LEADING OFF: Homers fly in playoffs, Atlanta arms dominate](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/rra63s7PfrWkZaL-CJeG5uX8VVk=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/S657B2UT4RCKXNCJFB4IGO3WEM.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Homers fly in playoffs, Atlanta arms dominate
Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson hits a home run during the second inning in Game 2 of a baseball National League Division Series against the Miami Marlins Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, in Houston. That was before the Yankees-Rays and Padres-Dodgers started their Division Series matchups. That average of 2.88 homers per postseason game tops the regular-season mark of 2.57. Kyle Wright will make his postseason debut when he starts against Miami rookie Sixto Sanchez as Atlanta aims to sweep the best-of-five NL Division Series. ESPNโs wild-card game averaged 5,591,000 to 7,604,000 from 2014-17.
![Anderson sharp, Markakis alert, Braves blank Miami, lead 2-0](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/mvDdy9oV5AM1Vv37KCFGH-oJDhQ=/1600x1067/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TUNM64EEJFDEFICDKCG6RMZRJE.jpg)
Anderson sharp, Markakis alert, Braves blank Miami, lead 2-0
Atlanta Braves' Ian Anderson delivers a pitch during the fourth inning in Game 2 of a baseball National League Division Series against the Miami Marlins Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, in Houston. Anderson blanked Miami into the sixth inning, Markakis made a nifty play in right field to help preserve the lead late, and the Braves threw another playoff shutout in a 2-0 victory Wednesday for a 2-0 lead in the NL Division Series. โItโs hard to bunch hits together, pitching is too good,โ Braves manager Brian Snitker said. Miami manager Don Mattingly didn't fault Dickerson for being thrown out because he said Markakis could've dived to catch it. On a day when Atlanta got only four hits, Swanson and dโArnaud provided the offense.
![Braves' rotation takes another hit as Max Fried placed on IL](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/hsOxU-16vdzRulYfPUfnr-hfcNo=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2QH4CBM2IJDHLNGUH2HKOEKCPQ.jpg)
Braves' rotation takes another hit as Max Fried placed on IL
Atlanta Braves' Max Fried pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)The Atlanta Braves' season-long rotation woes continued Tuesday when Max Fried, the top healthy starter, was placed on the 10-day injured list. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Fried has a left-side muscle spasm in his lumbar spine. Anthopoulos said he hopes Fried can return from the IL as soon as he is eligible on Sept. 16. Anthopoulos said he hopes Culberson can be added to the team's camp at its alternate training site at Triple-A Gwinnett.
![Marlins win virus-delayed home opener, beat Braves 8-2](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/vzm6CAmjXxFxpOLl_D0Dw9YjDBg=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/45TCYFUAXJDE3CUNRYZEXUIHYY.jpg)
Marlins win virus-delayed home opener, beat Braves 8-2
Miami Marlins players Lewis Brinson (25) Magneuris Sierra, center, and Jon Berti celebrate after the Marlins beat the Atlanta Braves 8-2 in a baseball game, Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI Jesus Aguilar drove in three runs, Jon Berti stole home and the NL East-leading Miami Marlins won their long-awaited, coronavirus-delayed home opener, beating the Atlanta Braves 8-2 Friday night. Miami returned to Marlins Park following a 23-day road trip, interrupted when 18 players and two coaches tested positive for the virus. The Braves will be without All-Star center fielder Ronald Acua Jr. in the series while he recovers from a sore left wrist. Marlins: LHP Daniel Castano (0-1, 8.31) will make his second major league start Saturday.
![Clint Frazier has big season debut; Yankees beat Braves 6-3](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/SQROh4ZUeQcH4xpeLMBMjZj6DoY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/3JQ5P4MTO5EYHA7QCU2SI2SOSA.jpg)
Clint Frazier has big season debut; Yankees beat Braves 6-3
New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)NEW YORK Injury fill-in Clint Frazier had three hits, including a home run, and scored twice in his season debut as the Yankees beat Atlanta 6-3 Wednesday night, sweeping a two-game set. The Yankees tied it in the bottom of the frame, clubbing back-to-back homers for the first time this season. Yankees: Judge (lower body tightness) did not play, a night after the oft-injured slugger was lifted for a pinch-hitter. Yankees: RHP Gerrit Cole (3-0, 3.22 ERA) should get his first taste of baseballs longest-running rivalry.
![Braves' Markakis hits walkoff HR after opting into season](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/Q_zhExS-1D7mNcjIY491AZp4KKg=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/Z44MUGZSM5EL3ITWFOFCNQRIAE.jpg)
Braves' Markakis hits walkoff HR after opting into season
Atlanta Braves' Nick Markakis, left, celebrates with Adeiny Hechavarria (24) after hitting a game-winning home run in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. Markakis was added to the active roster on Wednesday after changing his mind about sitting out the year. Following the homer, Braves players circled home plate with plenty of distance, waving their hands in the air as Markakis finished his trot. Manager Charlie Montoyo said before the game Waguespack was recalled when right-hander Trent Thornton was placed on the 10-day injured list. Following a chat with home plate umpire Alan Porter, Waguespack left the field without making a pitch and Montoyo instead brought in Rafael Dolis.
![Done for the year: Braves ace Soroka felled by torn Achilles](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/0jcWfyXUN1Bd1_ft9Y2qANpwE1o=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HHKPUP5DPJBYHB47J4T3KLA4EM.jpg)
Done for the year: Braves ace Soroka felled by torn Achilles
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)ATLANTA When Mike Soroka's teammates heard him scream, they feared the worst. If Mike Soroka can't walk off the field, you know it's pretty serious, said Freddie Freeman, the Atlanta Braves' slugging first baseman. Max Fried, a 17-game winner last season, is the only starter the Braves can really count on at this point. A native of Canada, Soroka went 13-4 with a dazzling 2.68 ERA in 2019, earning a spot in the All-Star Game. Now, just 11 games into a 60-game sprint, the Braves have a huge hole at the top of their rotation.
![Braves beat Mets 4-0 for 5th win in row; Cespedes opts out](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/UlaOHVU147ViogZVxvmTg5EAu2k=/1600x999/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/IR7QO5TRFREGBCXHUM2XPWFIBI.jpg)
Braves beat Mets 4-0 for 5th win in row; Cespedes opts out
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Kyle Wright delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, in Atlanta. After the game, Van Wagenen said: Hes decided to opt out of the remainder of the season for COVID-related reasons." Cspedes went 0 for 4 during a 7-1 loss Saturday night in Atlanta. ROSTER MOVESThe Mets traded for speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton, sending right-handed pitcher Jordan Humphreys to the Giants. He pitched six innings of four-hit ball in the season opener against the Mets.
![As MLB 60-game season draws near, careful optimism prevails](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/nal3tTLwme5e-Hp-w9v_JsN5MFU=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BFI2SCNXB5GMDO7XR4MZOCSAWY.jpg)
As MLB 60-game season draws near, careful optimism prevails
Several stars chose not to participate from the start, and rarely a day goes by without a positive COVID-19 test in one camp or another. But here we are, mere days from launching a season that's unique in almost every way. But Hyde remains hopeful that the season will start on time and go the distance. While there's reason for optimism, the stark truth is that COVID-19 is not going away. They still have a chance to play this season, manager Don Mattingly said.
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Braves' Felix Hernandez opts out of season due to pandemic
ATLANTA Former Cy Young winner Flix Hernndez has opted out of the 2020 season, at least temporarily ending his bid to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves. Braves manager Brian Snitker said Sunday that Hernndez, 34, opted out due to the coronavirus pandemic. Snitker said Hernndez may have realized it is way, way different now as players must deal with the concerns of trying to start the season during the pandemic. The right-hander called King Felix posted a 6.40 ERA, was 1-8 in 15 starts and lost his spot in the rotation. Hernndez made a strong early impression in spring training and may have been on track for winning a spot in the rotation before the coronavirus pandemic delayed the season.