“Following a disappointing weekend, the Braves had a much-needed day off on Monday. However, not all news was positive as Reynaldo Lopez was placed on the 15-day injured list, a move anticipated after Lopez was not listed as a potential starter for the upcoming series against the Brewers. Bryce Elder is set to start on Tuesday.
Fortunately, Lopez’s placement on the injured list was somewhat expected, likely allowing him ample time to fully recover rather than raising long-term concerns. A more immediate concern for the Braves is boosting outfield productivity. With Michael Harris II’s return on the horizon, the team needs immediate results during this critical stretch. Facing Brewers pitchers for the second time in days could lead to better outcomes.
Another reason the Braves need increased productivity from their outfield and overall offense is the increasingly crowded NL Wild Card race. While Atlanta remains hopeful for the division title, they need a strong winning streak to secure their NL playoff spot.
In other news, Nacho Alvarez and Drake Baldwin had standout performances for the Stripers over the weekend.”**