An Apple a day keeps the Padres at bay. Tonight’s game will be broadcast on Apple TV, which, for the most part, has been a pleasant viewing experience. However, after what we’ve been gifted with newcomer Brandon Gaudin, I can’t say I’m not disappointed. Just a reminder, even if you don’t subscribe to Apple TV, you can still watch as it’s a free broadcast. If you don’t have an Apple ID, download the Apple TV app on your phone or streaming device, register, and you’ll be good to go for tonight’s game.
Just a reminder to all Braves Journalers that both Game Threads and Game Recaps will have comments turned on while other pieces such as Braves Analysis, Braves Trade Rumors, Braves History, Braves Front Office News, Braves Minor League News, and the catch all, “Off Topic” will be redirected to The Bar.
Another Braves Transaction
This really sucks, but it could end up smelling like a rose (just hear me out). Michael Harris II hits the IL and it’s the 5th player to fall victim. The other 4: Raisel Iglesias, Collin McHugh, Kyle Wright, Max Fried. The hope is that MHII is only there for the minimum amount of days, but we Braves fans can hope for more than that! Sam Hilliard gets the start in CF tonight and he had an extraordinary spring. If he proves himself worthy of regular playing time, Snitker’s going to have a hard time finding a spot for Marcell Ozuna and wouldn’t that be great? If Hilliard falters in the first 2-3 games, Eli White, who also Thor’d spring training, could get a shot and he’s been sizzling at AAA. My hope is that both shine and we finally see the meat lump known as Ozuna get permanent pine time…at his house.
Braves Lineup
Jared Shuster tries to build on the success he found in innings 2-4 of his first outing and the Braves try to make it 2-0 against the Padres.
Interesting point on the Harris news. I’m in favor as long as it sets him up for success over the grind of the long season. The LAST thing he needs is a balky back.
Ryan, can you help me understand what you see in White? I see a journeyman 28-year old with a sub-.800 minor league OPS who was drafted in the 11th round and never ranked highly on a prospect list. What makes you think he has another gear?
I watched a lot of video on Hilliard from before. The change I’ve noticed:
1. He used to dive into the ball when facing a RHP. Not sure if he made an offseason adjustment or what, but I haven’t been seeing that and he’s squared a ton up thus far in a Braves uni.
Also, Colorado is a dumpster fire when it comes to development. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that AA picked up 3 guys from their org this offseason.
Having followed Hilliard’s career since the year he spent in Asheville I can say he is a guy who always seemed like one swing adjustment could unlock all the potential — he hits the ball so hard but has a major hole on the inside part of the plate. This happens to be the same adjustment Riley had to make after the 2020 season. I can’t say I expect it to work but we can hope.
Really excited to see how Shuster performs tonight. I hope he was able to get all the nerves out of his system last weekend. Maybe he can ride a good wave from the home crowd and get some steady outs. This will be a good test for him. This ain’t the Nats.
For anyone watching the game tonight on Apple TV, there is a local radio overlay option so you can hear Ben Ingram and Joe Simpson call the game instead of whoever Apple has put in the booth. This is a massive improvement from last seasons ATV+ games, as the broadcast teams were dreadful. If this works as intended, this is amazing because the visual aspect of these telecasts has been world class. Some of the best looking baseball you have ever seen on television. Instructions and more information can be found through this link: https://sixcolors.com/post/2023/04/friday-night-baseballs-radio-overlay-really-works/
I appear to have successfully matched Braves radio with the Apple+ broadcast. That is, unless Apple+ has hired Joe Simpson to do color on their games.
So far, much better for Shuster. One batter, one out. The last start, the Nats had scored three before he recorded the first out.
EDIT–on the other hand, he just walked Soto on four pitches.
Shuster is most likely going to have both losses in the first 8 games.
This is why you hoard TINSTAAPs.
There’s 0 that impresses me about Shuster, right now. He’s GOT to locate or he is doooooooomed.
Shuster is incredibly mediocre. Nothing special at all
Ryan, I understand your point that Harris’s injury could ultimately lead to the release of Ozuna. Marcell may have the same concern. He just crushed that one.
Does anyone have a worse RBI/HR ratio than Ozuna? The man is the king of the solo shot. Heaven forbid he hit the ball when someone is on base.
If he did Ryan wouldn’t get his way and have #NOzuna outta the A soon enough!
I said the other day that Shuster looks like Kolby Allard 2.0. I stand by that.
Whoever thought it would be a good idea to draft a college pitcher that couldn’t break glass should be fired.
To be fair, he was sitting 95 on the Cape the summer before and then had the next season wiped out by covid.
Our bullpen is so mediocre. We walk a ton of dudes .
Not liking the pen much either, but Tonkin’s walk that led to the run was a strike three that wasn’t called.
Ozzie needs to come thru here in the bottom of the seventh. Pitching around Olson and Riley will become the rage if four hitter can’t make ‘em pay!
Ozzie and Eddie – 13 LOBs tonight. Who thought it was a good idea for Ozzie to bat that high in the order???
TDA can’t have a night off right now
My feeling on our bullpen is it is above average but could be elite. Yes, they are walking too many, but I think that’s pretty common at this time of the year. We’ve had to go deep into our bullpen the last few days. Any team that relies on the bullpen for 4 plus innings consistently will struggle. Hopefully our starting pitching will turn it around tomorrow.
Ozzie is killing us hitting 4th or 5th
To be clear Ryan I was asking why you have hope for Eli White!
Recapped: https://bravesjournal.com/2023/04/07/braves-5-expensive-team-in-the-ugly-brown-uniforms-6/