Braves Rumors: Marcell Ozuna is back
Brian Snitker started Marcell Ozuna in the lineup just two days removed from an embarrassing, 415-foot single which led to his benching. That lack of hustle cannot be tolerated, and Ozuna owned up to it after the game.
Rather than taking the Ozuna beef a step further, Snitker considered his price paid. A public benching, and the manager being forced to comment on said matter to the media, was enough. Ozuna rewarded his manager's confidence on Tuesday night, with a game-tying double after an extended rain delay. Atlanta came back to defeat the New York Mets in the first game of a critical early-June series.
"You can see it on my face," Ozuna said. "I enjoy the game, have fun and give it my best."
Ozuna's off-field issues have been well documented. Ozuna was arrested for domestic violence and a DUI. This, combined with his poor play, would have tested the patience of even the most experienced front office executives.
Suddenly, Alex Anthopoulos looks smart for not letting Ozuna walk, despite what the outside world was telling him. Snitker praised Ozuna's work ethic to get back to what the Braves knew he was capable of.
"He's never given up on himself and he's worked really hard," Snitker said. "We know it's in there. We've seen it with the [2020 season]. It's good to see the hard work pays off."
Ozuna's late May and June numbers suggest he's back to his 2020 self, at least for now. Should it continue, he'll make the Braves lineup even more dangerous.
Braves Rumors: Pete Alonso eats his words
The New York Mets jumped out to a 4-1 lead over the Braves on Tuesday night, thanks in part to another home run from slugger Pete Alonso. Alonso has thrived on the road this season, and it showed at Truist Park. Unfortunately, he also ran his mouth in the dugout, adding fuel to the fire for an Atlanta team which already understands the importance of this series.
Alonso dared starting pitcher Bryce Elder to "throw it again," referring to a hanging breaking pitch that he disposed of into the bleachers.
After Alonso's home run, the Braves outscored New York, 5-0, and Tyler Matzek got the last laugh, mocking the NL home run leader.
Elder said all the right things postgame, suggesting that Alonso had every right to talk after his long home run. In fact, Elder even said he would've done the same if he had that sort of power within him.
Elder settled down after that tough inning, and ended up throwing six frames. Atlanta's bullpen did the rest, and suddenly the Mets deficit is even more glaring. With two games to go, the Braves have a chance to take a commanding lead over their rivals.
Braves Rumors: Should Atlanta trade for Shane Bieber?
The asking price for Shane Bieber is said to be considerable, but it could easily come down as we get closer to the trade deadline. Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, rival executives don't necessarily see Bieber, whose fastball velocity has dropped by four MPH over the last couple years, as a difference maker.
"Since '20, Bieber's average fastball velocity has dropped from 94.1 to 91.2 mph, and his strikeout rate has fallen from 41.1 percent to 16.3. Per Statcast, the hard-hit rate against him this season ranks among the highest in the league.
"I can't say with 100 percent certainty he's a playoff difference-maker," said an executive who was granted anonymity so he could speak candidly. "He may help you get there, but I don't know that he's the answer in the playoffs.'"
If that's the sentiment from much of baseball, then perhaps a rival team like the Braves could land Bieber at a discounted price. The Guardians know that Bieber's value is as high as it'll be now, given his 3.57 ERA and the fact that he's under contract through 2024. The longer they wait, the lower his price goes in terms of a potential trade return.
Cleveland can afford to trade Bieber. They're excellent at developing young pitchers, and have several under contract right now for less than it'll cost to retain Bieber. The Braves, who are down Kyle Wright and Max Fried through potentially August, could use a player of his caliber.
