I didn’t remember yesterday that I had a 9:00 hearing today. And, it was a “morning calendar call”, so it actually didn’t start until 10 or so. And with last second prep scramble this morning, I didn’t have time.
The Good: Bryce Elder was again good to very good. He met all sorts of “standards.” ALMOST 1 K per inning. WHIP under 1, over 6 innings. Again, if we are counting on Bryce Elder as our fifth best starter, we aren’t so far off. Earlier, somebody has mentioned about “consistency” versus “oscillation.” I don’t remember who, but somebody good at analytics did a piece on this about 7 to 10 years ago. So, if pitcher 1 pitches 6 innings every time and gives up 3 runs every time is pitcher one better than (or worse than) pitcher 2 who pitches 6 innings every time but gives up 2 runs and 4 runs in alternating games? The answer is Pitcher 2 is better. The increased value of the positive oscillation is worth more than the cost of the negative oscillation.
Ozzie Albies continues to be a better hitter. Sure looks like “wrisitis” was part of the problem.
Bull pen allowed zero runs to score (not even “inherited” runners).
Matt Olson continues to show more life than earlier in the season.
The Bad: In the “non game related section,” how is Sean Murphy just now mentioning a hip problem that may have first become a problem around when his offense cratered in 2023? So, everybody trying to figure their virtual GM things by trading a catcher has to refigure. Otherwise, the hitting wasn’t great, but Shota Imanaga is pretty good.
Back at it at Truist tonight.

Thanks, cliff. Late is okay. I was worried I was the only one who watched the game.
Not that there’s not an understandable feeling of ennui at this point.
Woke up in the middle of the night and ended up watching it as well. Sean Murphy…can’t get over it. This is just so weird. But great win and glad to see Ronald get a hit as well. Elder is an enigma to me.
I’m not sure how sharp and how much coaching Leo Mazzone is doing now (he’s 76), but it seems to me Elder could use some coaching by Leo, especially focusing on down and away. Elder won’t blow away batters, but he has enough movement if he hits the right spot to keep the contact light.
On another note, the new guy on the mound for Atlanta looks pretty good. Strider is difficult to recognize without the mustache.
Given our situation, I sure wish we were still playing the Mets 19 times this season.
Other than watching the Braves maybe face Skubal & Skenes… it’s not exactly appointment television.
That said, Strider gutted thru some rough waters tonight. Good to see.
EDIT: Yeah, Strider looks like he just completed his first day of Army basic training.
And with Alexis Díaz’ entry, the Braves have now used 69 players this year, one short of the record.
[And with his performance, you’d better not blink…]
Will be recapped tomorrow.
Recap is up: