Clippings Wednesday, June 3, 2015 Braves.com

Braves rally, only to fall to D-backs on late HR

By Barry M. Bloom and Jake Rill / MLB.com | 2:10 AM ET

PHOENIX -- A.J. Pollock hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning to lift the D-backs to a 7-6 win over the Braves on Tuesday night at .

Pollock's opposite-field blast came on a 1-0 from Braves reliever Brandon Cunniff, landing in the swimming pool in right-center. It was the sixth homer of the year for the center fielder, who has hit safely in 12 of 14 games and batted .397 during that stretch.

"I just got a pitch middle-away, I was trying to put it in the gap and watch Ender [Inciarte] run and hopefully get that run in," Pollock said. "Fortunate enough, it went over the fence."

Braves starter had his shortest outing of the year, lasting just 4 1/3 innings and giving up a season-high four runs on six hits and a season-high six walks. D-backs starter Josh Collmenter took his third straight no-decision, giving up three runs in 5 2/3 innings.

"I just didn't get in the groove type thing, but those kinds of days happen," Miller said. "I mean, you're human. You look at Felix Hernandez's start [on Monday night in a Mariners' 7-1 loss to the Yankees] and other guys who are doing well have poor starts. That kind of stuff's going to happen."

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Doing it all: Ender Inciarte helped the D-backs with his bat, glove, and speed. He reached base four times, driving in two runs with a single in the second and walking ahead of Pollock's go-ahead homer. Inciarte also swiped two bases and made a diving catch in foul territory in the third on a Jace Peterson fly ball, crashing hard into the wall but holding on. Inciarte made a nice running catch on a liner to end the third.

"Into the security guard, I think he kicked him in the head," D-backs manager Chip Hale said. "Well we had [Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan] here [Monday], so I think he was inspired by him."

Bats come to life: After Collmenter exited with runners on second and third and two outs in the sixth, the Braves came through with several big hits against the bullpen.A.J. Pierzynski hit a two-run single to right off of J.C. Ramirez, followed by an RBI off the left-field wall from Jonny Gomes that tied the game at 4. Then, Todd Cunningham gave the Braves a 6-4 lead with a double down the left-field line off of Andrew Chafin.

First base is yours: D-backs slugger Paul Goldschmidt was walked in each of his first four plate appearances, the last two times intentionally. It was the second time in three games that Goldschmidt matched his career high in walks. Mark Trumbo was unable to capitalize, however, going 0-for-5 in the cleanup spot.

Scoring early: The Braves got to Collmenter with two out and nobody on in the first. Freeman singled, stole second and scored on a double. Markakis was stranded on second when Juan Uribe whiffed looking, and that was it for the Atlanta offense in the opening innings.

QUOTABLE "It's not easy. That's just who he is, he's locked in from the time, I think, he gets up at home." -- Hale, on Goldschmidt, who went 1-for-1 with a double and four walks

WHAT'S NEXT Braves: The Braves end a 10-game road trip through Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix on Wednesday with a 3:40 p.m. ET start at Chase Field. It'll be right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (3-2, 3.96 ERA) on the hill for Atlanta. The Braves have an off-day Thursday before opening a seven-game Turner Field homestand Friday night vs. the Pirates.

D-backs: Rubby De La Rosa (4-2, 4.50) takes the mound in the series finale Wednesday at 12:40 p.m. MT looking to build on some of the success he had in May. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA in his past five starts.

Cunniff's inexperience costly to Braves

Young reliever issues two-out walk, then go-ahead two-run HR in loss to D-backs

By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com | 2:40 AM ET

PHOENIX -- It seems to be an epidemic of sorts this season around , that two-out walk or base hit with nobody on base that winds up costing some team a game.

"I've seen a lot of it from our side," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said after Tuesday night's 7-6 loss to the D-backs. "But, you're right. I don't know if it's younger with lack of focus and experience. I don't know if it's the strike zone. When you walk a guy you give your defense no chance to get an out. We've got to get it fixed. We've really got to get it fixed."

It happened to the Braves in the seventh inning against the D-backs. The two-out walk issued by young and inexperienced reliever Brandon Cunniff to Ender Inciarte led directly to the loss. A.J. Pollock hit a two-run homer into the pool in right-center field on a 1-0 pitch.

"The walk, it killed me," Cunniff said in the understatement of the night. "I had [Inciarte] 1-2 and I couldn't finish him off. It killed me, you know."

It was a night when Shelby Miller had one of his worst starts of the season, tying a career high with six walks, one of them to Paul Goldschmidt with the bases loaded, the first time Miller has done that in 89 big league starts. Four of the five Atlanta pitchers walked 10 D-backs in all.

"You can't walk 10 guys in a game and expect to win," veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski said. "I mean, it was one of those nights that things didn't work."

Yet, despite all this, the Braves wiped out a 4-1 deficit with five runs in the sixth when they chased Arizona starter Josh Collmenter and sent nine guys to the plate. They led, 6-4, at that juncture, but they couldn't close the game out in the sixth and seventh innings.

"I think we've lost five games on this [10-game] road trip and it's all in those innings," Gonzalez said. "We can't get the ball to [Jim] Johnson or to [Jason] Grilli. When we do that, we've got a good to chance to win a ballgame."

Gonzalez said he's as perplexed as anyone at the inability of his pitchers to easily close out an inning. Even the usually reliable Miller issued a two- out, nobody-on walk in the first to Goldschmidt, who strolled four times in the game, twice intentionally. The irony is that Mark Trumbo, batting behind Goldschmidt, didn't beat the Braves. He went 0-for-5 and stranded nine runners in the game.

But the Braves pitchers found a way to beat themselves.

"You see it in the eyes of the position players sometimes when they're battling," Gonzalez said. "And you know it's nobody's fault, really. We scratch back from down 4-1 and go up two runs, and the next thing you know, they hit a two-run homer and they win the ballgame. You don't want too many more of these."

Freeman, Braves seek All-Star votes

Slugger not among top five at first base in NL; Pierzynski fourth among catchers

By Mark Bowman / MLB.com | @mlbbowman | June 2nd, 2015

ATLANTA -- Now that Freddie Freeman has homered in three of his past four games, he might start garnering the same level of support he received from All-Star voters the past few seasons. When the latest update of the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot was released Tuesday afternoon, Freeman was not listed among the top five first basemen.

For the second straight week, veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski stood as the only Braves player who ranked among the top five at his respective position.

Pierzynski has garnered the fourth-most votes among National League catchers. Still he sits more than one million votes behind San Francisco's Buster Posey, who holds a slim lead over St. Louis' Yadier Molina.

Freeman has regularly ranked among the top five NL first basemen over the past couple of seasons. Those spots are currently occupied by Los Angeles' Adrian Gonzalez, Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt, Chicago's Anthony Rizzo, St. Louis' Matt Adams and San Francisco's Brandon Belt.

Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- using the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, July 2, at 11:59 p.m. ET. For the first time, voting is exclusively online, where fans may submit up to 35 ballots.

Fans may also receive the ballot by texting VOTE to 89269 (USA) or 101010 (Canada). Or text VOTA for a ballot in Spanish. Message and data rates may apply. Up to five messages. No purchase required. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for info. Despite slumping during the latter part of May, Freeman has batted .297 with eight home runs and an .865 OPS. Goldschmidt leads NL first basemen with 15 home runs. Gonzalez and Philadelphia's Ryan Howard rank second with 10.

Braves shortstop is widely regarded as the game's best defensive player and he ranks sixth among NL shortstops with a .734 OPS. But like Freeman, All-Star voters have not shown him the same level of respect he received in recent years.

Following the announcement of the 2015 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player for each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 14, watch the 2015 All-Star Game live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2015 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.

MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of All-Star Week festivities.

The 86th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visitallstargame.com.

Maybin held out for second straight game

Fredi expects Braves center fielder back for finale

By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com | June 2nd, 2015

PHOENIX -- Braves center fielder Cameron Maybin was held out Tuesday night against the D-backs at Chase Field for the second consecutive game because of a tweak where the quad meets the groin on the left side of his lower body.

The move was purely for precautionary reasons, said Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, who added that he expected Maybin to be back in the lineup Wednesday when the teams conclude the three-game series.

"He came in today and we actually sat in my office and he said after treatment he felt pretty good," Gonzalez said about Maybin. "But I still wanted to give him another day. If he continues to improve like he did from treatment this morning, I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be back in there [Wednesday]."

Maybin, who was often injured during his years with the Padres, had played in 43 games and started 17 in a row in center before sitting out Monday night's 8-1 Braves win. He's batting .256 with two homers and 22 RBIs and already has 152 plate appearances. He hasn't had 500 plate appearances (561) since 2012.

Because of a variety of injuries, the 28-year-old Maybin had played in only 109 games for the Padres during the past two seasons, including 14 in 2013 and 95 last season when he hit just .235 with a homer and 15 RBIs. Last season, he also had a .290 on-base percentage and .621 OPS.

The Braves acquired Maybin this past April 5 in the deal that sent closer and Melvin Upton Jr. to the Padres. Kimbrel has 12 saves for San Diego and Upton is rehabbing a foot injury in the Minor Leagues.

When asked about the current injury Tuesday, Maybin said: "I'm fine."

When told that it was reported he had a groin problem, he responded, "I don't."

"Typical Maybin," Gonzalez said.

Foltynewicz, De La Rosa meet in rubber game

By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com | 1:46 AM ET

The Braves and D-backs close a three-game series with the rubber game Wednesday at Chase Field.

It'll be a battle of right-handers between Mike Foltynewicz (3-2, 3.96 ERA) and Rubby De La Rosa (4-2, 4.50). Both are in the first years with their respective clubs.

Foltynewicz had a decent May, winning three of his five decisions in six starts. In his last one, he took a 4-1 loss to Tim Hudson and the Giants on Friday night in San Francisco. The 23-year-old, who pitched for the Astros last year and was acquired in the trade that sent Evan Gattis to Houston, allowed two runs on five hits, walked one and struck out eight Giants in 6 2/3 innings. De La Rosa, the 25-year-old obtained from Boston in the trade, has whiffed 59 and walked only 16 in 64 innings, a good reason for his effectiveness. His last time out at Milwaukee, also Friday night, he lasted only five innings in a game the D-backs won, 7-5. De La Rosa allowed four runs on six hits and wasn't involved in the decision.

The D-backs are 7-9 in series finales and 6-7 in day games.

Three things to know about this game:

• The Braves are closing a 10-game road trip that also included stops in Los Angeles and San Francisco. They have an off-day Thursday and open a seven-game homestand at Turner Field on Friday night against the Pirates. The Padres follow the Pirates in to Atlanta.

• De La Rosa has never faced the Braves, and nobody on Atlanta has more than three at-bats against him.

• Braves center fielder Cameron Maybin missed the last two games because of soreness where the groin and quad meet on the left side of the lower body. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Maybin was probably going to play in the road-trip finale.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Braves quotes after Tuesday’s 7-5 loss at Arizona

By David O'Brien - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

PHOENIX — Braves quotes from Shelby Miller, Brandon Cunniff, A.J. Pierzynski and Fredi Gonzalez after Tuesday’s 7-5 loss at Arizona.

**FREDI GONZALEZ

Rallying to take lead with two-out, five-run rally, then watching bullpen blow lead

“I think we lost five game on this road trip, and they all happen to be right there in those innings, where we can’t get the ball to (setup man Jim) Johnson or to (closer Jason) Grilli. When we do that we’ve got a chance to win a ballgame. But again, Shelby struggled for the first time all year. He was battling his mechanics a little bit, his command was not like we’ve seen it before. But nevertheless, we had a chance to win the ballgame.

“We had four walks out of the bullpen, one to lead off an inning, one with two outs and nobody on. Those hurt. You can’t be walking people in those middle innings out of the bullpen.”

On Shelby Miller’s struggles tonight

“He wasn’t right from the very beginning. He was battling himself the whole time. I don’t know exactly what the problem was, but he just battled the whole time. And still gave us a pretty good chance to win the ballgame. That one inning I had him right at 30-some pitches, and that took a lot out of him.”

Losing a game after getting all those two-out hits, rallying from three-run deficit to take two-run lead, does that make it tougher to lose when middle relievers again blow it, when maybe if you had another or two in some of these games you might have five or six more wins?

“Yeah, it’s kind of demoralizing a little bit sometimes when you’re team’s battling and battling, they’re fighting and scratching and clawing for runs. You see it in the eyes of the position players sometimes. They’re battling and … And you know what, it’s nobody’s fault, really. But you don’t want too many more of these. We’re down 4-1, we scratch and we get up two runs, and the next thing you know they hit a two-run homer and they win a ballgame.”

On giving up the homer after two-out walk issued by middle reliever

“And to open up the (sixith) with (a walk) with nobody out. We’ve got to get it fixed. Because we’re in every ballgame, and here it is the first week of June and we’re right in the thick of things.”

**BRANDON CUNNIFF

On the walk that he issued to Inciarte with two out, just before the 2-run homer

“Killed me. Had him 1-2, couldn’t finish him. Killed me.”

On the homer by Pollock

“Just made a bad pitch and he crushed it.”

Still thinking about the walk when Pollock came up? “No. I don’t know, I was just trying to throw a strike, I guess. Try to hit the outside corner. He just went with it.”

What was the pitch, a fastball?

“Yeah, a fastball away.”

**A.J. PIERZYNSKI

On Miller’s struggles tonight

“Just a little bit off tonight. These starts happen. It’s been so good all year. It wasn’t horrible, we still at one point had a lead. So it wasn’t like we were just completely out of the game. Just a little bit off. We walked, what, 10 guys in the game? You won’t win a lot of big league games walking 10 guys. It’s just one of those nights where things didn’t work out. But again, we had a chance in the ninth inning. We had the lead late in the game, it just didn’t work out.”

On the two-out rally in the sixth

“It was great. Like I said, we had a chance. We had a two-run leading going into the sixth or seventh inning. We’ll take that, especially the way the game started, the way Shelby kind of struggled a little bit. But he’ll be fine. Just one of those nights where he just had a hard time. But he’s been so good, you can’t get down on him.”

On Cunniff – young pitchers going to have nights like this?

“Yeah, just a two-out walk, and then a . One-run lead, it’s just tough. Again, we walked 10 guys. It’s tough. Just wasn’t meant to be.”

**SHELBY MILLER

Did you feel like you were kind of fighting it from the beginning tonight?

“Yeah, just a little bit. Kind of didn’t-really-get-in-a-groove type of thing.”

On being so good this year, people come to expect close to perfection from him

“You’re still human. I mean, you look at Felix Hernandez’s start yesterday, and other guys’ starts who are doing well. I mean, it’s going to happen. That kind of stuff’s going to happen. Besides the point of my pitching, we should have won the game. Our offense did a hell of job coming back and scoring runs and battle their butts off all night, and the defense made great plays. At the end of the day we should have won the game. But it didn’t happen. Tough loss tonight.”

On walking pitcher Collmenter

“That’s terrible. That’s horrible. Won’t talk about that.”

Was the issue tonight mechanics, or a combination of things?

“Yeah, just a little bit of everything. Just couldn’t get balls over the plate, mechanics were maybe working a little bit quicker than I should have been. But that’s all excuses. This game, it’s not made for excuses. There’s no reason to go out there and and walk six batters, there’s no reason to go out there and walk the pitcher. Just a tough day.”

Braves rally for lead, then blow it in loss to Diamondbacks

By David O'Brien - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

PHOENIX — Braves ace Shelby Miller had his first bad night of the season, and the Diamondbacks led 4-1 after five innings at Chase Field. But as the could attest after losing against them in the ninth inning Sunday, these Braves don’t go easily into that good day or night.

Unfortunately for the Braves, another thing they don’t do is protect leads very well. Not their middle relievers.

The Braves scored five runs with two out in the sixth inning to take a 6-4 lead, but the bullpen faltered again in a 7-6 loss to Arizona that snapped the Braves’ three-game winning streak.

A.J. Pollock’s two-run homer off Brandon Cunniff in the seventh inning was the dagger, coming after Cunniff walked Ender Inciarte with two out, the 10th walk issued by Braves pitchers. “You won’t win a lot of big league games walking 10 guys,” said Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski, whose single drove in the first two runs in the five- run sixth. “It’s just one of those nights where things didn’t work out. But again, we had a chance in the ninth inning. We had the lead late in the game, it just didn’t work out.”

Cunniff said the walk “killed me. Had him 1-2, couldn’t finish him. Killed me.” And the homer by Pollock on a 1-0 fastball: “Just made a bad pitch, and he crushed it.”

In his past three appearances, Cunniff has allowed six hits, seven runs and three walks in 2 2/3 innings, pushing his ERA from 1.80 to 5.09.

“Yeah, just a two-out walk, and then a home run,” Pierzynski said. “One-run lead, it’s just tough. Again, we walked 10 guys. Just wasn’t meant to be.”

The Braves haven’t put together a winning streak longer than three games since starting out the season 5-0. They need a win in Wednesday’s series and road-trip finale to salvage a .500 record on the 10-game trip.

Miller was charged with six hits, four runs and six walks with two in just 4 1/3 inings, after entering with a 5-1 record, 1.48 ERA and the distinction of being the only major league pitcher to have made 10 starts this season without giving up more than two earned runs.

“Just a little bit of everything,” Miller said. “.Just couldn’t get balls over the plate, mechanics were maybe working a little bit quicker than I should have been. But that’s all excuses. This game, it’s not made for excuses. There’s no reason to go out there and and walk six batters, there’s no reason to go out there and walk the pitcher. Just a tough day.”

But the Braves still only trailed 4-1, and this is an offense that had scored eight, seven and eight runs in the past three games, the first two of those against the Giants in games started by Tim Lincecum and .

After getting a run on two hits in the first inning Tuesday, the Braves mustered two hits in the second through fifth innings, then must’ve realized that, hey, they were facing Josh Collmenter. In five May starts apiece, Miller was 2-1 with a 0.95 ERA, while Collmenter was 1-2 with an 8.14 ERA.

Miller gave up as many runs (four) and walks (six) in the first four innings as he allowed in the entire month of May.

“You’re still human,” Miller said. “I mean, you look at Felix Hernandez’s start yesterday, and other guys’ starts who are doing well. I mean, it’s going to happen. That kind of stuff’s going to happen.

“Besides the point of my pitching, we should have won the game. Our offense did a hell of job coming back and scoring runs and battle their butts off all night, and the defense made great plays. At the end of the day we should have won the game. But it didn’t happen. Tough loss tonight.”

Miller left the game after giving up consecutive one-out singles in the fifth. Reliever Cody Martin got out of that jam without any further damage, and Braves hitters went to work an inning later.

With a runner at first base after Freddie Freeman’s fielder’s choice, Nick Markakis hit his second RBI double of the night against Collmenter, who was replaced at that point.

Juan Uribe drew a four-pitch walk from reliever J.C. Ramirez, and Pierzynski’s two-run single cut the lead to 4-3. Jonny Gomes doubled down the left-field line to drive in the tying run, and rookie Todd Cunningham (3-for-4) doubled to drive in two more runs for a 6-4 lead.

With two outs, the Braves had done this: double, walk, two-run single, RBI double, two-run double.

They made sure Miller wouldn’t be saddled with consecutive losses for the first time in a year, then kept scoring in an effort to provide some insurance runs for a Braves bullpen that’s needed as much cushion as it could get this season. Atlanta’s bullpen had a league-worst 4.64 ERA before Tuesday.

With the Braves leading 6-4, reliever Nick Masset gave up a run in the fifth after issuing a leadoff walk, a no-no that’s bit the Braves’ numerous times. One and later, the Braves opted to intentionally walk sizzling slugger Paul Goldschmidt, putting the potential tying run on with one out.

A fly-out advanced the runner to third, and Yasmany Tomas’ single cut the Braves’ lead to a run, 6-5. Cunniff replaced Masset and walked Jordan Pacheco on four pitches to load the bases, before coaxed an inning-ended flyball.

An inning later, Cunniff issued another two-out walk, and this time it proved quite costly.

Diamondbacks 7, Braves 6

By David O'Brien - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

How the game was won: A.J. Pollock’s two-run homer in the seventh inning off Braves rookie Brandon Cunniff lifted the Diamondbacks to a 7-6 win at Chase Field. The Braves had overcome a 4-1 deficit and taken a 6-4 lead with five runs in the sixth inning, all scored with two outs. But Atlanta’s bullpen faltered again and the team’s three-game winning streak was snapped. The Braves are 4-5 on a 1o-game trip that ends Wednesday.

Number: 1. Times that Shelby Miller has allowed more than two earned runs in a game this season. He hadn’t done it until Wednesday, when he gave up six hits, four runs and six walks in 4 1/3 innings. That was as many runs and walks as Miller had allowed in all five of his May starts combined.

What’s next: The Braves play a series finale against the Diamonbacks at 3:40 p.m. (Eastern). Rookie Mike Foltynewicz (3-2, 3.96 ERA) faces Arizona right-hander Rubby De La Rosa (4-2, 4.50).

Pierzynski still lone Brave among All-Star voting leaders

By David O'Brien - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

PHOENIX — A.J. Pierzynski remained fourth among National League catchers when the second All-Star fan voting update was announced Wednesday, and the 38-year-old catcher also remained the only Braves player among the leaders at any position.

Pierzynski received 448,162 votes, about 100,000 votes behind Miguel Montero of the Cubs and far behind the catching leaders, the Giants’ Buster Posey (1,679,730) and Cardinals’ Yadier Molina (1,542,231). Molina led Posey in the first update a week ago.

Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper maintained the overall lead in NL All-Star votes with 2,323,186.

There will be four more voting updates, the last on June 30, before the July 14 All-Star Game in Cincinnati. Fans vote for the All-Star starting position players, while most reserves and all pitchers will be selected by All-Star managers.

Pierzynski was a two-time American League All-Star with the Twins in 2002 and White Sox in 2006. He signed a free-agent deal with the Braves last winter to serve as a backup and mentor to rookie catcher Christian Bethancourt, but the veteran’s performance in and early April, coupled with Bethancourt’s struggles, led to Pierzynski getting more playing time than the prospect early in the season.

After hitting .422 with three homers, 14 RBIs and a 1.131 OPS in 12 April games, Pierzynski hit just .145 (9-for-62) with no homers, three RBIs and a .391 OPS in 17 May games.

Maybin’s condition improved, but still out of Braves lineup

By David O'Brien - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

PHOENIX – Cameron Maybin said his strained groin felt better and he could play Tuesday after a day of treatment Monday, but Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez decided to rest the hot-hitting center fielder another day to be safe.

“We sat in the office — me, Bubba (head trainer Jeff Porter) and him, and he feels great,” Gonzalez said. “The treatment was really good. But we’re going to give him another day. From all the treatment he did yesterday, and the fact he feels really good today, I don’t see any reason why we can’t run him out there tomorrow.”

The Braves play an afternoon game against the Diamondbacks Wednesday to complete a three-game series and 10-game road trip. Maybin started 17 consecutive games and 26 of 27 before the injury.

Rookie Todd Cunningham made his second consecutive start in center field Wednesday, after going 0-for-3 with a walk, a hit-by-pitch and two runs scored in Monday’s 8-1 win against Arizona. Cunningham also laid out to make a catch in the left-center gap, similar to a play Maybin made in right- center Sunday at San Francisco.

That run-saving catch at a crucial point in Sunday’s comeback win was likely where Maybin injured his groin, he said.

“Hopefully this thing will be kicked all the way by tomorrow,” Maybin said. “We did some little things (to test it) in the training room, but just from the way I feel physically, I know. It’s like night and day. I could play right now for sure.

“Hopefully tomorrow. We’ll see what happens. I’m ready. I’m trying to get in there when I can.” Maybin has been one of the Braves’ steadiest hitter since late April, batting .302 with five doubles, two homers, 17 RBIs and a .391 on-base percentage in his past 29 games.

Moylan promoted to Triple-A in comeback from 2nd TJ surgery

By David O'Brien - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

PHOENIX – Instead of serving as a player/coach with the Braves’ rookie league Danville team this summer, veteran reliever Peter Moylan could be pitching for the Braves at some point in the not-too-distant future.

Moylan, who is more than 14 months into his recovery from a second Tommy John elbow surgery, was promoted Tuesday from the disabled list at Single-A Rome to the active roster at Triple-A Gwinnett.

“Let’s give him a little time to see if he can go back-to-back days, two innings, and how does the stuff translate?” said , Braves president of baseball operations, who was impressed when he saw Moylan recently in an extended spring training game. “We don’t exactly have a deep pen, and I have always loved this guy. He will show us where he is at.”

Moylan said, “All the work is paying off. I’m still not to my goal yet, but excited and extremely grateful for the chance to prove I can still do it.”

The Braves signed Moylan, 36, to an unusual two-year minor league contract in March, one that included an invitation to major league spring training in 2016, and a position as player-coach this season with the rookie-league Danville team, which starts its season June 23.

That was the plan, so Moylan could continue working out and pitching for Danville, progressing in his recovery from elbow surgery without overdoing it trying to get back too soon. But plans were revised after the Aussie sidearmer threw better than expected in recent weeks during extended spring training, while the Braves bullpen had lapses.

“Danville is out — Peter is now a player,” Hart said.

The Braves could certainly use another experienced, effective reliever, if and when he’s ready. Braves starters have whittled their ERA to 3.77, sixth in the NL, but their relievers had a league-worst 4.64 ERA before Tuesday.

Moylan is trying to make a seemingly improbable comeback – he had four major surgeries in a five-year span, including back and shoulder procedures – and is attempting to do it with the organization that provided the platform for his initial improbable comeback nearly a decade ago.

Moylan became one of the most popular Braves among fans and teammates alike while spending the first seven seasons of his major league career with the team, which signed the then-bespectacled pharmaceutical salesman after his impressive showing in the 2006 World Baseball Classic – after he’d been out of American for nine years following a brief minor league career with the Twins.

After dropping his arm angle to become a sidearmer while pitching in an Australian semi-pro league, Moylan had gained 10 mph on his fastball.

His outgoing personality and dry humor made him popular with teammates and fans alike, but it was performance that made Moylan a big contributor to the franchise for three seasons. He had a 1.80 ERA in 80 appearances (90 innings) as a 28-year-old rookie in 2007, missed much of the 2008 season recovering from his first Tommy John surgery, then posted a 2.90 ERA in 172 appearances during the 2009-2010 seasons.

That included a franchise-record 87 appearances in ’09 in his first season after TJ surgery.

He’s been limited to 35 appearances in the past four seasons and last pitched in the majors with the Dodgers in 2013. Moylan is a fit 215 pounds now, 40 pounds lighter than when he reported to spring training with the Astros in 2014.

Braves, MillerCoors announce new SunTrust Park partnership

By J. Scott Trubey - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Atlanta Braves on Tuesday announced a new partnership with MillerCoors at the team’s new ballpark in Cobb County that will involve branding of the new Chop House restaurant and bar.

The three-level restaurant, bar and lounge in right field of the new SunTrust Park will be branded the Coors Light Chop House.

The Braves and brewing conglomerate also named MillerCoors’ Smith & Forge Hard Cider as the Braves’ official hard cider and Peroni Nastro Azzuro as the official import beer.

The new stadium is expected to open in time for the 2017 season Developers, Georgia State get earful at Turner Field meeting

By J. Scott Trubey

A development team and Georgia State University officials got an earful Tuesday from residents near Turner Field, with many asking the partners to shelve conceptual plans to transform the stadium area until a neighborhood planning effort can determine what the community wants.

The development team, led by Atlanta real estate firm Carter and Georgia State, have proposed a blend of private student apartments, senior housing, single-family homes, a grocery store, shops and separate college football and baseball stadiums on about 80 acres. The proposal is essentially unchanged since first reported in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 13 months ago.

Carter President Scott Taylor said the partners wanted to present a vision of “how we can collectively and collaboratively make this very special,” and vowed a transparent process involving the desires of stadium neighborhoods.

Taylor told more than 100 residents in the standing-room-only crowd that his group does not have a deal to buy Turner Field once the Atlanta Braves leave for Cobb County, nor does he know when or how the property will be sold.

But the team felt it best to engage neighbors and get their input prior to a sale process being announced.

Several residents got applause when they asked Carter and Georgia State to allow the neighborhoods to follow through with a master planning exercise under the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Livable Centers Initiative (LCI). The ARC in February announced a $212,000 grant to fund a study of redevelopment possibilities.

The city of Atlanta recently released a request for proposals for a consulting group to run the program.

Some residents worried about college students having a negative effect on historic neighborhoods.

“None of us want to live on frat row,” said Kelly Howard, a Summerhill resident since 1997. She said she wants to see grocers such as Whole Foods or a Publix, and specialty retailers and restaurants seen in communities like Vinings and Virginia-Highland.

Taylor said specific retailers haven’t been contacted, but a higher-end grocer is envisioned. Sixty to 70 percent of the property would be under private ownership adding to the tax rolls. The developers also envisions workforce development efforts and other community benefits.

The Turner Field property is controlled by the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority, and a sale is not likely until after the Braves leave. The new ballpark is expected to open in 2017.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has signaled support for the Carter-Georgia State plan, but he has also said other unnamed groups are interested. It’s unclear what those firms might have in mind.

“We obviously have some hostility toward you,” Grant Park resident Richard Quartarone told the Georgia State team. The stadium communities are welcoming, he said, but the developers could build bridges by working with residents from scratch on a new concept.

Not all comments were negative. A few speakers said they appreciated the Carter-Georgia State team approaching residents as no other groups have, and said they were supportive of the plan. One said he hoped the university’s presence and police force could help reduce crime.

Taylor said his team would like to collaborate with the community simultaneously through the LCI process. Collaboration, he said, is necessary to create a project that is feasible.

After the gathering, Taylor said he was not deterred.

“This is exactly what we were hoping for — to engage in a conversation,” he said. “We know we don’t have all the answers. We know that this plan we put forth can be better.”

Wednesday’s game: Braves at Diamondbacks

By Carroll Rogers - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Where: Chase Field, Phoenix, Ariz.

When: 3:40 p.m.

TV/Radio: SPSO/680, 93.7, 106.7

Probable starting pitchers: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (3-2, 3.96) vs. RH Rubby De La Rosa (5-2, 2.56) What’s new: Freddie Freeman had hit three home runs in four games entering Tuesday night’s game, this after hitting just five home runs in his first 47 games this season. After his home run in the series opener Monday night, Freeman’s average against the Diamondbacks was up to .406 for his career (41-for-101), and he had 11 doubles, seven home runs and 28 RBIs in just 25 games against them. The numbers get even better at Chase Field where Freeman was batting .418 with four homers and 16 of those RBIs in 13 games. Andrelton Simmons took a 10-game hitting streak into Tuesday, one shy of his career-high 11-gamer May 25 – June 5, 2013. He was batting .405 (15-for-37) with a double and four RBIs over the 10 games. His three Monday hits helped the Braves break out to an 8-1 win in the series opener. He also helped turn the tide in the San Francisco series with a second inning RBI in the third game of a 2-2 split.

Fox Sports South

Three Cuts: Walks, bullpen struggles trigger Braves loss against D-backs

Zach Dillard

The Atlanta Braves could not hold on to a late lead at Chase Field on Tuesday night, falling to the 7-6 to fall back to .500. Here are three observations from the game:

1. THE BRAVES' BULLPEN IS SOUNDING ALARMS

Atlanta found some two-out magic in the sixth inning. Trailing 4-1 following the rare lackluster start from Shelby Miller, the offense was threatening to strand yet another runner. Jace Peterson's leadoff single was followed by two quick outs, but then the middle of the lineup started piecing together quality at-bats. Nick Markakis' double was followed by a Juan Uribe walk to load the bases -- opening the door for three straight RBI hits from A.J. Pierzynski, Jonny Gomesand Todd Cunningham to break open a 6-4 lead.

It was an impressive comeback.

It lasted less than two innings.

The relief combination of Nick Masset and Brandon Cunniff continued the ongoing struggles of the Braves' bullpen, combining to give up three hits, four walks and three runs to blow the lead, resulting in the 7-6 loss. Cunniff's fastball to Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock ended up in the outfield pool for the game-winning hit. Lefty reliever Luis Avilan pitched well in the eighth and final inning, but the damage was already done.

"Four walks out of the bullpen. One to lead off an inning, one with two outs, nobody on. Those hurt," said Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, whose team issued 10 walks in the loss. "You can't be walking people in those middle innings when you're out of the bullpen.

" ... It's kinda demoralizing a little bit sometimes when your team's battling and battling, they're fighting and scratching and clawing for runs. You see it in the eyes of the position players sometimes. And you know what, it's nobody's fault, really. But you don't want too many more of these."

This is an odd situation for Gonzalez to be in. Late leads have been remarkably safe during his tenure, aided by excellent work from pitching coach Roger McDowell and bargain finds from former general manager Frank Wren, but the offseason reshuffle has the team searching for answers. Sixteen different relievers have pitched for Atlanta this season, and very few have found sustained success.

The team entered the game ranked last in the majors with a negative-0.5 bullpen WAR and 4.50 FIP. It could very well be the worst bullpen in baseball through the first 50-plus games. That's coming off a three-year run where the team's 2.83 reliever ERA was the best in baseball by a mile.

The tables have certainly turned.

(The Braves traded away many of their key pitching contributors from the past few years -- David Carpenter, Anthony Varvaro, Jordan Walden, Chasen Shreve -- with another key piece, Shae Simmons, on the disabled list for the foreseeable future. None of those names loom larger than Craig Kimbrel, but it's worth mentioning that the closer spot is not the problem. Jason Grilliowns a respectable 3.04 FIP and has saved 15 of his 16 opportunities. As for Kimbrel, who may still be the best closer in baseball, his current 4.74 ERA wouldn't be some magic solution here.)

Avilan has bounced back well, while newcomers Grilli and Jim Johnsonboast quality numbers, but the Braves have to find ways to shore up their middle relief in order to bridge the gap.

"I think we've lost five games on this road trip and they all happened to be right there in those (middle) innings, that we can't get the ball to Johnson or Grilli," Gonzalez said. "When we do that, we have a good chance to win a ballgame."

2. NICK MARKAKIS KEEPS UP HIS STEADY PRODUCTION

The Braves' veteran right fielder is a far cry from the hitter that posted back-to-back 20-homer seasons in 2007 and 2008 in Baltimore, a multifaceted threat at the plate. Markakis posted a 10.1 WAR in those two seasons, but injuries have contributed to a slow decline in power ever since. In his final 1,400-plus plate appearances as an Orioles standout, he amassed just 24 home runs. That trend has stretched into his tenure as a Braves standout -- though it's not exactly posing a problem. Fifty-two games into the season, Markakis has yet to leave the yard. His slugging percentage is sitting at the second-lowest mark of his career, and that's only because of his strong performance on Tuesday night. All of this is to say that Markakis is not struggling without the crutch of power, but rather that he's reinvented himself as a hitter that feasts on singles and doubles.

Markakis finished with two doubles against the Diamondbacks to push his slash line to .299/.387/.361 on the year. He leads the team in walks (by a short mile) and owns a selective 13.8 strikeout rate.

The list of Atlanta newcomers that needed to perform entering this season goes on and on -- Peterson and Uribe reached base twice, Pierzynski and Gomes came up with big hits and Cunningham continues to be a nice addition -- but Markakis is the one carrying the highest expectations.

To date, he's been a steadying presence the Braves paid him to be this offseason.

3. ANY CONCERNS WITH SHELBY MILLER'S ERRATIC OUTING?

Shelby Miller has staked his claim as one of the National League's top pitchers, but his numbers have continuously hinted at future regression. Not dramatic regression, but something worse than a 1.48 ERA and ,202 batting average on balls in play. Coming off his worst outing in a Braves uniform, could more trouble be on the horizon?

Sure, Miller looked more like the sophomore pitcher that labored through the 2014 season in St. Louis than the newfound Braves star on Tuesday. He tied season highs with six walks and four earned runs. He allowed an additional six hits and offset those with just two strikeouts. He lasted just 4 1/3 innings -- perhaps the worst thing for a manager trusting a bullpen that can't put up zeros. "He was battling mechanics a little bit," Gonzalez said. "His command was not like I've seen it before. ... He wasn't right from the very beginning."

A few things: Miller's previous worst outing, according to FIP, was a six-hit, three-walk outing against Cincinnati where he gave up two home runs. He followed that up by allowing one run over his next 25 innings pitched, including a complete-game shutout and a near-no-hitter in Miami. He's shown he can bounce back. Second, top pitchers scatter in poor outings from time to time. This is normal. And third? The Diamondbacks entered the game with the third-highest scoring team in the majors.

In short, "Not really."

The bullpen is the issue at hand.

Miller should be the least of this team's concerns right now.

The Augusta Chronicle

Braves: Notes on prospects Peraza, Banuelos

David Lee | Mon, Jun. 1 5:02 PM

The questions surrounding Jose Peraza's starts in center field for Triple-A Gwinnett this past week were almost overwhelming. Any time a top position prospect starts somewhere other than his known spot, people get in a tizzy. It's certainly notable that Peraza is getting game reps in center now, but I see it as potentially opening another door more than anything.

The Braves value defensive versatility more than ever considering they don't have established stars across the field. Peraza provides them the opportunity to add to that versatility because of his athleticism and instincts. If he's capable of handling his own in center, it allows the Braves to let the chips fall as they may when/if position player prospects are deemed ready to handle everyday roles.

Mallex Smith is tearing up Double-A at the moment. It's also June 1. The hype machine needs to slow down a little. This isn't to say Smith can't be Atlanta's future center fielder, but let him play a full season at an upper level before he's crowned an everyday player at a prime position. On the other hand, the Braves are high on Smith - higher than the Padres were. This could be part of the reason why Peraza is getting center field time. No matter how it shakes out, I think the main goal behind it right now is adding to Peraza's versatility.

Peraza looked the part of an inexperienced center fielder during my looks Thursday through Saturday. He struggled on reads coming in, and he second-guessed his reads at times by hesitating on the routes. His footwork on throws was choppy, and he needs to clean up his arm path some to get the proper arc on the throw. On the bright side, Peraza's first attempt Friday had a solid route, and he shows the ability to read balls to each side pretty well. He showed instincts on that first Friday route by rounding the landing spot to get momentum on the throw toward third base, so that was a good sign. The arm will play in center. It's always been a solid arm for the infield, and the proper arm path and arc will make it play well out there. Also, his speed and athleticism will play well in center. He ranges well based on his big-time speed, and that could become a huge advantage if he learns to pick up his reads and routes better. Overall, I think there's enough of a framework there to be a serviceable center fielder, but it's going to take time and a lot of work. Peraza's offensive profile hasn't changed at a higher level. He barrels the ball with enough regularity to project an above-average-potential hit tool, but it's hindered at times by an ultra-aggressive approach and may settle around average. He's capable of hitting line drives to all fields with a short, easy swing that's quick to the zone. Peraza's troubles at the plate begin when he expands the zone, particularly in pressure situations like a runner on third. He tends to offer at spin away too much, and he'll climb the ladder on velo with two strikes. The aggressive approach limits his walk totals, as well, so the hit tool needs to reach its max to prevent having an empty batting average.

Another concern for Peraza is the lack of consistent ability to drive the ball. He tends to lunge and punch at velo on the outer half, and pitches have to be in his middle-in wheelhouse to see him clear the hips and drive the ball effectively. He still makes plenty contact on the outer half, but it tends to be ground balls that must find holes. I don't like to put too much stock into spring training performances, especially for young prospects pressing to make a good impression, but Peraza showed some of this in March by whiffing on spin away and trying to punch the ball away to avoid missing.

Overall, Peraza shows enough for me to label him a potential solid-average regular. It comes with the added caution that the risk remains fairly high of him not getting enough out of the bat to hold his own as a valuable regular. The speed is plus-plus, the defense is plus at second base and could become good enough to play two up-the-middle positions, and he hits a good amount of line drives. This equals a solid regular. Just go into his first taste of the big leagues with the mental note that he needs to get the most possible out of the bat to serve the Braves well as an everyday guy.

Manny Banuelos

Banuelos is no longer the flamethrowing left-hander the Yankees fell in love with before Tommy John surgery. He's also a pretty good low-risk pickup for the Braves at this point. I saw enough in a Thursday look to make me think he'll still be a serviceable starting pitcher in the major leagues.

Banuelos was 88-92 and stayed mostly around 89-90. It's a pretty straight pitch that relies on staying down and hitting the corners, as well as sequencing to get the most out of it when ahead in the count. He spotted it pretty well to the arm side but struggled glove side, especially when he wanted an extra tick of velo. He showed pitchability with good sequencing by changing eye levels with two strikes, and those offerings came at 91- 92. His fastball command was inconsistent by working too far off the plate or catching too much plate at times, but he works within himself pretty well to get the most out of it for weak contact.

Banuelos' and rated similarly at around average and flashing more. The curve's depth was inconsistent but flashed well, and it had some pretty deep, sweeping break when he snapped off a good one. There's not a ton of batting-missing ability here, but the depth and decent tightness can make for barrel-missing ability. His changeup is in a similar boat. It shows fade and good deception based on an easy arm motion that he repeats. He spots it arm side pretty well, but command is only ok and he's still showing signs of working to get his feel back after surgery.

I talked to Banuelos on Saturday, which will become a feature later in the week. In short, he emphasized that he's getting his confidence back after surgery, and his feel is getting there, too. The last thing to get back, according to him, is fastball velocity. He wants to get that 94 back, and he's working between starts to gain strength. Whether it comes back remains to be seen, but it's good that the confidence is there.

Overall, I saw enough to project a back-end starter for the Braves. He has no standout pitch while the fastball is sitting around 90, his command is only ok and he won't get a lot of strikeouts, but if he limits the walks and gets weak contact on a regular basis, he can be a No. 4/5 in Atlanta's rotation with a backup plan of relief duty.

Atlanta Business Chronicle

$55 million mixed-use development planned near new Braves stadium

Carla Caldwell

A rezoning request to allow construction of a $55 million mixed-use development of up to 300 apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail space near the Atlanta Braves’ SunTrust Parkwas approved Tuesday by Cobb planning officials.

MCRT Investments wants to build an eight-story building on a 3.6 acre property at the corner of Cumberland Boulevard and Riverwood Parkway in Cobb County’s Cumberland area, reports Marietta Daily Journal.

A lawyer representing the developer said the apartments are expected to have an average rent of $1,950 per month, the paper reports.

The Board of Commissioners is expected to consider the matter at a June 16 meeting.

The Atlanta Braves’ $672 million stadium development is also in the Cumberland area. The project, near the intersection of interstates 75 and 285, is slated for completion in time for the 2017 season.

Several projects are planned near the Braves site. The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) said in May it will add a store in nearby Cumberland Mall. Kroger will use 83,000 square feet on the second floor of a Sears(Nasdaq: SHLD) store. Sears plans to consolidate operations to 90,000 square feet on the bottom floor of the building.

The mall location will allow Kroger to take advantage of the influx of visitors to SunTrust Park, a lawyer representing Kroger said in May at a Cobb County planning board meeting.

Marietta Daily Journal

It’s Miller time: Braves announce MillerCoors will be official beer at SunTrust Park by Ricky Leroux

CUMBERLAND — The Atlanta Braves have a new draft pick they hope will be a major player at SunTrust Park.

The ballclub announced Tuesday that MillerCoors will be its official beer partner at SunTrust Park, in a deal that includes branding rights for its signature Chop House restaurant.

The Chop House, being built in SunTrust Park’s right field, will be expanded in the new ballpark to a three-level restaurant with 10,000 square feet of space, including two party decks and a new field-level area that can be rented by large groups.

“From the outset of this endeavor, we have sought to create a vibrant and engaging environment for fans attending Braves games, as well as for the visitors to our development. We could not achieve that goal without a premier partner like MillerCoors,” said Derek Schiller, Braves executive vice president of sales and marketing. “MillerCoors has been a longtime partner with our organization and they feature some of the most iconic beer brands in the world. We are excited to have them join us as we work to build a destination that will be unlike anything else in America.”

Additionally, the Braves announced MillerCoors’ Smith & Forge Hard Cider will be the team’s official hard cider and Peroni Nastro Azzuro will be official import of Braves.

“We are excited to strengthen our partnership with the Atlanta Braves,” said Andy England, MillerCoors chief marketing officer. “The team’s tradition of success, vision for the future and the passion of their fans are the reasons we’ve been partners since 2010. We’re thrilled that MillerCoors and our diverse portfolio of beers will be part of this exciting future.”

Other beers under the MillerCoors umbrella include: Coors, Coors Light, Miller High Life, Icehouse, Milwaukee’s Best, Molson Canadian, Blue Moon and Foster’s.

The list of the Braves’ partners at the stadium and the adjacent mixed-use development is steadily growing. The team announced last week that Delaware North Sportservice would be the food and beverage partner for SunTrust Park and announced in March that Delta Air Lines would be the exclusive sponsor of the Delta SKY360 Club, a premium hospitality area planned for the ballpark.

Additionally, the Braves announced a partnership with Omni Hotels & Resorts to develop a 16-floor luxury hotel in the mixed-use development in April, and in March, the ballclub announced Comcast would be the sole occupant of a new nine-story office tower in the development, bringing more than 1,000 jobs.

The Sports Journal

Where Is the Power for the Atlanta Braves?

By Alex Wise

At 26-25, the Atlanta Braves are playing average baseball in a division with two preseason World Series favorites – the and the – and a surprisingly good Mets team.

Yet, somehow, the Braves are accomplishing decent baseball with a serious lack of power.

The Braves’ 32 home runs as a team are tied for second worst in all of baseball. Their 128 extra-base hits rank 25th in the league, and their team slugging percentage of .367 is better than just three other teams: the Mets, the Phillies, and the White Sox.

What can explain this lack of power?

We can start by pointing to the team’s line drive percentage which, at 22.7%, ranks third in the league. On the surface, this can be confusing: line drives translate to hits more often than do ground balls and fly balls. But, in the Braves case, it’s only translating to hits and not extra base hits. This is why Isolated Power is useful as a statistic. Calculated as slugging percentage minus batting average, ISO determines what percentage of batted balls go for extra-base hits. The Braves’ .118 ISO – fourth worst in the league – helps to explain why the Braves’ team batting average of .250 sits right in the middle of the pack, while their power numbers dwindle.

Additionally, the Braves’ home run to fly ball ratio is remarkably low: just 7.7% of fly balls off the bat of a Brave goes for a home run. Some would point to Turner Field, the Braves’ home, being a not-so-friendly park for home runs, but park factors for this season show that Atlanta’s home is neither friendly nor unfriendly.

The Braves’ power numbers simply aren’t good enough for them to compete, nor are they high enough to challenge other members of the division. Freddie Freeman’s eight home runs lead the team. Kelly Johnson and Cameron Maybin are the only others to hit five or more. Veteran outfielder Nick Markakis has played in 50 games and has yet to hit a home run.

Unless the Braves begin hitting the ball more effectively, look for them to fall away from average and into the basement of the .

The Albany Herald

ATLANTA BRAVES NOTEBOOK: Alex Wood solid in Atlanta Braves pitching rotation

By Tribune News Service

PHOENIX — Alex Wood, outside of one night in Washington, has been outstanding this season. And the scary part for the Atlanta Braves’ opponents is he only now feels he is hitting his stride.

Wood has allowed only three earned runs in his past three starts, including one run on seven hits over eight innings in the Braves’ 8-1 rout of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday.

“The last two starts, I’ve started to get everything together,” Wood said. “Now it’s more about getting the consistency and repeatability so I won’t have as much to work on.”

Not that Wood was a slouch prior to this recent run even though he didn’t have the victories to show for it.

The left-hander allowed three runs or fewer in each of his first three starts, and then he threw 5 2/3 shutout innings at Philadelphia on April 24. He cratered on April 29, giving up five runs in five innings to end a streak of 15 straight starts allowing three runs or fewer.

Since then, Wood resumed his prior form and allowed only nine earned runs in five starts.

After yet another no-decision May 10 against the Nationals, Wood has won three straight.

“I don’t think he’s done anything other than pitching really well,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “He’s been giving us really quality starts.”

Wood’s emergence of late, combined with the work of right-hander Shelby Miller, is giving the Braves a formidable one-two combination in their rotation as they work to keep pace with Washington in the National League East.

Given Gonzalez’s expressed concerns this weekend about right-hander Julio Teheran, Atlanta needs whatever quality starts it can find.

BRAVES, MILLERCOORS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP: The Atlanta Braves on Tuesday announced a new partnership with MillerCoors at the team’s new ballpark in Cobb County that will involve branding of the new Chop House restaurant and bar. The three-level restaurant, bar and lounge in right field of the new SunTrust Park will be branded the Coors Light Chop House.

The Braves and brewing conglomerate also named MillerCoors’ Smith & Forge Hard Cider as the Braves’ official hard cider and Peroni Nastro Azzuro as the official import beer. The new stadium is expected to open in time for the 2017 season.

THIS AND THAT: Left-handed pitcher Donnie Veal was designated for assignment Monday when the Braves recalled right-hander Cody Martin. In five relief outings for Atlanta, Veal had no decisions and a 14.54 ERA. He was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 17 appearances for Triple-A Gwinnett this season. … Second baseman Kelly Johnson has started playing catch and taking some swings. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list May 13 due to a left oblique strain. … Outfielder Cameron Maybin did not play Monday due to what manager Fredi Gonzalez said was a slight quad or groin strain. Maybin started in 25 of the Braves’ prior 27 games and has hit safely in 13 of his past 16.

Associated Press

Pollock's late HR gives Diamondbacks 7-6 win over Braves

By BOB BAUM (AP Sports Writer)

PHOENIX (AP) -- Six years ago, at about this time of year, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected A.J. Pollock out of Notre Dame in the first round of the draft, the 17th player chosen overall.

The do-everything center fielder keeps showing how much he was worth it.

Pollock hit a two-out, two-run home run into the Chase Field swimming pool in the seventh inning and the Diamondbacks beat the Atlanta Braves 7-6 in a back-and-forth game Tuesday night.

''I just made a bad pitch and he crushed it,'' Atlanta reliever Brandon Cunniff said.

The homer was the 51st splashdown in the water beyond the right field fence since the ballpark opened in 1998. Pollock is hitting .314 while playing terrific defense.

''Definitely All-Star caliber,'' teammate and two-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt said. ''He does it all.''

Ender Inciarte had two RBIs, two runs scored and two stolen bases for the Diamondbacks. He drew a two-out walk from Cunniff (2-1) and scored on Pollock's home run.

With the speedy Inciarte to worry about, Cunniff may have been a bit distracted, Pollock thought.

''I'm sure that had a little bit of a part of it,'' he said. ''I just got a pitch middle away. I was just trying to hit it in the gap and watch Ender run and hopefully get that tying run in and I'm fortunate it went over the fence.''

A.J. Pierzynski and Todd Cunningham each drove in a pair of runs in the Braves' five-run sixth inning after the Diamondbacks had taken a 4-1 lead offShelby Miller.

Miller lasted a season-low 4 1-3 innings, allowing four runs on six hits with six walks and one strikeout.

''Shelby struggled for the first time the whole year,'' Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. ''He was battling his mechanics a little bit. His command was not like we have seen it before, but never the less we had a chance to win the ball game.''

The four runs and six walks were season worsts for the right-hander, who had not allowed more than two earned runs in any of his 10 starts leading into Tuesday.

''I didn't get in the groove-type thing, but those kind of days happen,'' Miller said. ''You are still human.''

Andrew Chafin (3-0) pitched 1 1-3 inning to get the victory. Brad Ziegler threw a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.

Arizona starter Josh Collmenter left with two outs in the sixth inning and the Braves broke out.

Pierzynsky's two-run bases-loaded single off J.C. Ramirez cut the lead to 4-3, Jonny Gomes' RBI double tied it, then Cunningham's double down the left field line on the first pitch from Chafin put Atlanta up 6-4.

Miller walked Collmenter to load the bases in the second, then Inciarte singled in two. Miller walked Goldschmidt to bring in the third run.

''This game is not made for excuses and there is no reason to go out there and walk six batters,'' Miller said. ''There is no reason to go out there and walk the pitcher. It is just a tough day.''

Goldschmidt walked four times, twice intentionally. He has been walked 41 times this season, 17 in the last 13 games.

GREAT CATCH

In the third, the left fielder Inciarte made a head-first dive in the gravel in foul territory and caught Jace Peterson's foul ball. Inciarte crashed face- first into a security guard's foot. He remained on the ground but held up his glove to show he still had the ball. After trainers came out, Inciarte eventually got to his feet and stayed in the game, making another nice running catch of Freeman's fly ball to end the inning.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Braves: Gonzalez gave OF Cameron Maybinanother day off. Maybin was scratched from the lineup just before Monday night's game with a sore quad/groin. Gonzalez said he expected Maybin in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale. Diamondbacks: LH (Tommy John surgery) threw 3 2-3 scoreless innings in an extended spring training game on Monday. ... 3B Jake Lamb (left foot stress fracture) was 1 for 4 with a triple in extended spring training game Monday. He is report Wednesday to a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno.

UP NEXT

Braves: Mike Foltynewicz (3-2, 3.96 ERA) takes the mound against Arizona Wednesday in the Braves' finale of a 10-game road trip. Atlanta is 4-5 on the trip.

Diamondbacks: RH Rubby De La Rosa (4-2, 4.50) goes for Arizona in the afternoon contest. He is 2-0 in his last five starts.

Braves-Diamondbacks Preview

By JEFF MEZYDLO (STATS Senior Writer)

As A.J. Pollock continues to fare well at the plate, the Arizona Diamondbacks find themselves in position to win yet another series.

They can do so for the fourth time in the last five Wednesday against the visiting Atlanta Braves.

Arizona (24-27) had dropped five of seven, including an 8-1 loss in Monday's series opener. After blowing an early three-run lead Tuesday, the Diamondbacks appeared headed for another defeat until Pollock belted a two-run, go-ahead homer into the Chase Field swimming pool in the seventh inning of a 7-6 victory.

Tuesday marked the third time in five games Arizona scored seven runs, and 10th in the last 11 in which it's homered. Pollock is batting .397 with three homers, nine RBIs and 13 runs scored in his last 14 contests.

''Definitely All-Star caliber,'' teammate and two-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt said. ''He does it all.''

Pollock is 7 for 16 with two home runs and five RBIs in his last four versus Atlanta (26-26), which needs a win Wednesday to finish its 10-game road trip at .500.

With three runs and four walks allowed in 3 2-3 innings Tuesday, Atlanta's bullpen has posted an 8.69 ERA and walked 12 on the trek.

Atlanta hopes Mike Foltynewicz (3-2, 3.96 ERA) can remain effective after he allowed three runs, eight hits and struck out 15 while walking two over 14 1-3 innings to split his last two starts. The right-hander yielded two of those runs on a first-inning homer Friday at San Francisco, then looked strong to last 6 2-3 innings in a 4-2 defeat.

''I'm keeping the walks down and just going out there and attacking guys,'' he said. ''Everything is coming along pretty well.''

This will be his first appearance against the Diamondbacks, who will give the ball to Rubby De La Rosa (4-2, 4.50) for his first start against Atlanta.

The right-hander has allowed four runs in three of his last four outings. Three came on a pair of homers while De La Rosa lasted five innings and didn't factor in the decision of a 7-5 win at Milwaukee on Friday. He's given up a team-high 10 home runs but three have come at Chase Field and only one in his last four starts there.

He'll likely find Cameron Maybin back in the Braves' lineup after the center fielder missed the first two games of the series with a sore quad and groin. Maybin is batting .305 with 10 RBIs in his last 16 games.

"He came in (Tuesday) and we actually sat in my office and he said after treatment he felt pretty good," manager Fredi Gonzalez told MLB's official website. "But I still wanted to give him another day. If he continues to improve like he did from treatment (Tuesday) morning, I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be back in there."

Arizona's also missed the first two with a hand injury, but his availability is less certain. He's 4 for 22 in his last seven at home but is 10 for 25 lifetime against the Braves.

Atlanta's Freddie Freeman is batting .407 in 14 games at Chase Field.