Clippings Tuesday, August 25, 2015 Braves.com

Braves snap skid as Teheran quiets Rox

By Jon Cooper and John Donovan / Special to MLB.com | 1:18 AM ET

ATLANTA -- Julio Teheran went 7 1/3 strong innings and Atlanta's beleaguered bullpen held on as the Braves beat the Rockies, 5-3, on Monday night at Turner Field, snapping a seven-game losing streak.

Braves Jonny Gomes crushed a first-inning two-run homer and his defensive replacement, Michael Bourn, made a critical outfield assist in the eighth to cut down a Colorado run. The Braves won for only the third time in their last 14 games.

The Rockies, coming off a dismal 2-7 homestand, dropped their fourth straight despite a pair of early home runs from Charlie Blackmon and Ben Paulsen. After Paulsen's homer in the second, though, Teheran retired 19 of the final 22 batters he faced -- eight straight at one point -- before being pulled in the eighth.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED No place like home for Julio: Teheran continued his dominance at Turner Field, raising his record to 7-1 with a masterful performance. He matched his season high in innings, and shook off a pair of solo homers -- only the second game this season in which he allowed two homers in a game at home -- and, after the second-inning homer by Paulsen, allowed only two hits and three baserunners over the ensuing 6 1/3 innings.

"You know it's going to be tough against Teheran," Colorado manager Walt Weiss said. "He's got a good slider. Especially to the right handers. He had it working tonight."

Getting out of a jam … barely: Colorado pinch-hitter Matt McBride's soft single to left with one out in the eighth drove Teheran from the game, and then things got funky for the Atlanta 'pen. Blackmon followed with a hard bunt down the third-base line against lefty reliever Ross Detwiler that Atlanta's Adonis Garcia fielded, but his throw to first wasn't in time. The play itself raised eyebrows; the ball could have rolled foul. With runners at first and second, Jose Reyes followed with a hard-hit ball back to a new reliever, Edwin Jackson, who made another iffy play, deciding to go to first for one sure out instead of a possible inning- and threat-ending double play. Brandon Barnes then followed with a scorching single to left to bring in a run, but Bourn's possible game-saving peg to Christian Bethancourt cut down Blackmon at the plate -- the Rockies challenged, and a review confirmed it -- to end the inning.

Top of the lineup: Blackmon cranked his fifth leadoff homer of the season -- the 11th of his career (adding to his club record) -- when he turned on a 91 mph fastball from Teheran just three pitches into the game and snuck it just inside the right-field foul pole. It was Blackmon's 15th homer of the season.

Homer happy: The first five runs of the game all came via the : Blackmon, Gomes' two-run blast, Paulsen's solo shot and a go-ahead solo shot from Garcia in the fourth.

Left outs: Left fielders Gomes and Bourn came up big for the Braves, one offensively, one defensively. Gomes came into the game with one homer and four RBIs in August. He proceeded to nearly double his output, with a key two-run shot in the bottom of the first that gave Atlanta the lead after Blackmon's homer led off the game. He'd later add a key insurance run, grounding a single to center. Bourn, replacing Gomes for defense in the eighth, gunned down Blackmon to end the eighth-inning threat.

QUOTABLE "I just get ready to prepare myself to play the game. I'm ready to go. If you can get to a guy before he really gets comfortable, you can wear him down. And that's what we were doing early on." -- Blackmon, on his leadoff home runs

"It was a little weird at the beginning because we haven't thrown in a while, but we got on the same page like always. It's good to have him back here." -- Teheran on pitching to rookie Bethancourt, who was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday afternoon INJURY EXIT The Rockies pulled right fielder Carlos Gonzalez in the fifth inning because of soreness in his right knee, but Weiss said he was hopeful his slugger will be back for Tuesday's game.

WHAT'S NEXT Rockies: Righty Chad Bettis (2-2, 4.54 ERA) makes his return to the mound Tuesday against the Braves (5:10 p.m. MT) at Turner Field, his first action since July 18. He's been sidelined by elbow inflammation, but Weiss and team doctors pronounced him ready to go. "We feel like he's 100 percent healthy," Weiss said. "I think he's really accomplished a lot this year. He's finally settled into that starter role. I feel like he's in his element as a starter."

Braves: Hard-throwing right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (4-5, 6.06) makes his 18th start of the season for Atlanta in the middle game of the three- game series against Colorado at Turner Field on Tuesday night (7:10 ET). Foltynewicz is 4-2 at home, despite pitching to a 6.20 ERA with a .321 opponents' batting average. He is looking to turn around a tough stretch in which he's allowed 13 runs on 17 hits over his last two starts, covering 9 1/3 innings.

Tandem in left proves all right for Braves

Gomes' offense, Bourn's defense fuel slide-ending victory

By Jon Cooper / Special to MLB.com | 12:33 AM ET

ATLANTA -- It's getting a little crowded in left field for the Braves, but that's not a bad thing.

On Monday night at Turner Field, left field was the difference, as Jonny Gomes started and had a huge night at the plate, then Michael Bourn came in for defense in the eighth and made a key play to help preserve the Braves' 5-3 win over the . The win ended Atlanta's season- high seven-game losing streak.

"That's the blueprint these days with platoon," said Gomes, who finished the night 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs -- he'd come into the game with one homer and four RBIs in August. "We showed both sides of it today."

"It went both ways," agreed Bourn, who recorded his third outfield assist of the season, short-circuiting the Rockies' eighth-inning rally. "Jonny had a great night tonight, he had a homer and three RBIs. That's a big night. He hit the ball well and hats off to him."

Gomes' big night started in the bottom of the first, when he launched a 2-1 pitch from Rockies left-hander Jorge De La Rosa (7-6) into the second tier of seats in left field. The two-run shot, a no-doubter, gave Atlanta a 2-1 lead. Colorado Charlie Blackmon had led off the game with a solo shot off Atlanta starter Julio Teheran (9-6).

Gomes put the distance of the blast in perspective.

"As said, it's how many, not how far," he said.

While the distance may not have meant much to Gomes, the timing of the blow gave Teheran a much-needed morale boost.

"That was big," said Teheran, who raised his record to 7-1 at Turner Field by matching his season high of 7 1/3 innings (he also did it June 6 vs. Pittsburgh). "Whenever you've got the lead, that's when you feel more confidence. Even if they tied the game in the second inning [on Ben Paulsen's homer], I was really focused and I knew they were going to give the lead back to me."

Braves third baseman Adonis Garcia did that, crushing a solo homer to dead center in the fourth, giving Atlanta the lead for good. Gomes added insurance, grounding an RBI single to center in the fifth and right fielder drove in Atlanta's final run with a one-out double in the sixth.

Gomes gave the credit for his RBI single to Freddie Freeman, who pulled a grounder to first to move runner Cameron Maybin to third base. Maybin had led off the inning with a double.

"Freeman getting the runner from second to third allowed me to get that RBI," Gomes said. "It was good all the way around."

Left field was good all the way around when Bourn entered the game for defense to start the eighth.

After Teheran allowed a one-out single from pinch-hitter Matt McBride, Ross Detwiler relieved and gave up a bunt single by Blackmon on a ball Garcia charged and bare-handed although it appeared it might roll foul. Edwin Jackson relieved Detwiler and made a great stop on a rocket through the box by Jose Reyes, choosing the safe 1-3 putout. With runners on second and third and two out, right fielderBrandon Barnes singled to Bourn.

"I just tried to get to the ball as quick as I can. That way the runner is not past the bag when I make the throw," Bourn said. "I came up and threw it through the cutoff man and it got a good hop to the catcher and he made the play. It was a great tag that Christian [Bethancourt] made. He got good position on the plate and made that play and it helped us to win the game." The call was challenged by Colorado manager Walt Weiss, but after a review, the out was confirmed and the Braves' streak-breaker basically was sealed.

"You can't lose the value of slapping hands with each other when the game's over," Gomes said. "That's what it's all about. It was good to get a win."

Bethancourt recalled, will see playing time

Marimon rejoins bullpen; Perez optioned; Aardsma DFA'd

By Jon Cooper / Special to MLB.com | August 24th, 2015

ATLANTA -- It didn't take Christian Bethancourt long to realize that he missed the Major Leagues. The rookie catcher (who turns 24 on Sept. 2) realized it sometime on June 15, the day he was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Monday afternoon at Turner Field, Bethancourt admitted he could barely contain his emotions when he found out he was being recalled by the Atlanta Braves.

"Whenever you get sent down, the first second you're going to miss the big leagues," said Bethancourt, who started and batted fifth in the series opener against the Colorado Rockies. "When you get that call back up, your emotions explode. You're just happy to be back here."

Bethancourt started the season in Atlanta, but batted .198 (20-for-101) with a homer, six doubles and nine RBIs in 29 games.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez is eager to see how Bethancourt has improved in his time at Gwinnett, where he batted .327 (66-for-202), with 19 doubles, four homers and 31 RBIs.

"We have to give him an opportunity," Gonzalez said. "I've been talking to [Gwinnett manager] Brian Snitker a lot about him. He says he's played well. So we're going to give him an opportunity to play a little bit."

While offensive improvement would be welcome, Gonzalez's biggest concern was how Bethancourt had improved his defensive game.

"From day one, I've never even spoken about his offensive stuff," Gonzalez said. "It's always been the defensive side of the ball and handling a pitching staff and running a game, that kind of stuff."

Bethancourt had a .987 fielding percentage, committed three errors, and had a team-high five passed balls prior to being sent to Gwinnett. Braves pitchers had a 4.46 ERA in the games he caught, also the team high.

Bethancourt believes that his results will be different this time around as he follows the blueprint he used in Gwinnett.

"I'm going to try to be the same guy I was down there and put everything that I learned while I was with the Triple-A team [to use], keep doing the same while I'm up here," he said. "More than anything I was more consistent down there. I needed to learn and I think I did."

Gonzalez believes that Bethancourt still has a lot of learning to do to master the position but is plenty patient.

"I always thought that the catching position took a little bit longer to develop, and this guy's only 23 years old," said Gonzalez, who caught in the New York Yankees farm system in his playing days. "He may not even get it until he's 25 or 26 because there's a lot of responsibility in the catcher's position. It's a hard position to just step in, but we'll give him an opportunity to play and see what he can do the next five weeks."

The anticipation of Bethancourt's return was tempered by what Gonzalez called a "hard" decision to sit veteran A.J. Pierzynski. The 38-year-old, who was signed during the offseason to mentor Bethancourt, has been one of the most dependable hitters for the Braves all season. He entered the Rockies series hitting .294 (second on the team), with seven homers (third) and 40 RBIs (fifth). He also was fifth in on-base percentage (.336) and tied for fourth in slugging percentage (.426).

With backup having earned his stripes, the Braves decided they will carry three until the rosters expand to 40 on Sept. 1.

The three-catcher system and the sudden glut of outfielders also led to the Braves sending outfielder Eury Perez to Gwinnett.

"I told him he did a great job for us," said Gonzalez of Perez, who batted .269 with five RBIs and a .331 on-base percentage in 47 games. "You can't promise anybody anything. You can't say, 'You're going to be back up in three days or four days,' but I told him that the way he went out and did everything we asked him, there would be a good chance that when the rosters expand that you will see him again in a Braves uniform."

Atlanta also called up right-hander Sugar Ray Marimon from Gwinnett. Marimon is making his third stint with Atlanta in 2015. He was 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in six games (all in relief). At Gwinnett, he was 5-4 with a 3.31 in 17 appearances (14 starts). To make room for Marimon, Atlanta designating right-hander David Aardsma for assignment. Aardsma was 1-1 with a 4.70 ERA in 33 games, holding opposing hitters to a .223 average. Bettis, Foltynewicz square off at Turner Field

By Jon Cooper / Special to MLB.com | August 24th, 2015

The Braves and Rockies continue their three-game series at Turner Field on Tuesday night. Atlanta won the series opener, 5-3, snapping a seven- game losing streak.

Fireballing right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (4-5, 6.06 ERA) takes the ball for the Braves, while the Rockies counter with righty Chad Bettis (5-4, 4.88). Both pitchers were selected in the 2010 Draft, selected 57 picks apart (Foltynewicz at 19 by , Bettis at 76 by Colorado).

Foltynewicz is looking to change his luck, as he has one win in his past nine starts and has allowed 13 runs in his last two starts, covering 9 1/3 innings. In his outing Thursday at Wrigley Field in Chicago, the Sterling, Ill., native allowed a season-high seven runs on eight hits, including two home runs, in 4 2/3 innings, but pitched better than his final ledger and was still bringing 98 mph heat in the fifth inning as he approached the 100- pitch mark. He made a pair of relief appearances against Colorado in the Braves' trip to Coors Field in July, allowing a run on three hits, with four strikeouts in two innings on June 9, then, two days later, allowing a walk-off bloop single to Carlos Gonzalez.

Bettis is making his first start since going on the disabled list on July 19 with right elbow inflammation. He is 2-2 with a 4.54 ERA in six starts on the road this season. He'd thrown quality starts in four of six starts prior to his injury, and had pitched at least five innings in 12 of his 13 starts on the season. Bettis beat Atlanta on July 12 at Coors Field, allowing three runs and six hits over six innings, with eight strikeouts and five walks. Both the strikeouts and walks were season highs.

Things to know about this game

• Foltynewicz is 4-2 with a 6.20 ERA in eight starts at Turner Field. He has no record and a 4.50 ERA against the Rockies.

• Bettis is 1-1 with an 8.25 ERA in three games against the Braves, including two starts. He is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA (five earned runs in five innings) at Turner Field. The game was memorable despite the 11-2 final, as it was Bettis' Major League debut, on Aug. 1, 2013. He allowed two home runs, walked five and struck out one. Fortunately for Bettis, neither Justin Upton nor , who homered off him, are still with the Braves.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Braves quotes after victory over Rockies

By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Braves quotes after 5-3 victory over the Rockies Monday at Turner Field.

**FREDI GONZALEZ

On the game

“Julio (Teheran) pitched good, Jonny Gomes did a nice job. He got three RBIs. Michael Bourn made that throw to get the guy out, (Christian Bethancourt) with a nice tag. Good baseball game.”

On Teheran making two mistakes

“Against left-handers. Both of them were 1-2 counts, one was a fastball, one was a slider. (Charlie) Blackmon and (Ben) Paulsen both hit it out of the ballpark. That’s one reason I didn’t want him to face Blackmon again in the eighth inning. I think he had done his job, too, at that point. It was nice to get a win. It seemed like a long, long time. Seven games is a long time to get a win. It was nice. Hopefully we can get rolling here at home and get some more victories.”

On Teheran limiting damage

He’s been able to do that when he’s been successful, he’s been able to limit the damage and give up just one run. Today might have been one of those days.

**JONNY GOMES

On the win

“At this point, a win is a win. You can’t lose the value of slapping hands with each other when the game is over. That’s what it’s all about. With that being said, your starting pitcher pitches into the eighth (it’s) a good opportunity. It seemed like he was on the same page with Christian.”

On his long home run “The old Hank Aaron saying, ‘It’s how many, not how far.’”

On answering in the bottom of the inning

“It takes two. It takes Julio to settle down, and us to answer. They got on the board first and we were able to scratch that right in the bottom. We stayed ahead the rest of the way and Julio drove the bus for us.”

On adding to the lead

Two-out RBI by (Nick) Markakis, Freddie Freeman getting the runner from second to third, allowing me to get that RBI. Good all the way around.

On getting a big hit, then Michael Bourn making a big defensive play

“That’s it. That’s the blueprint these days with platoon. We showed both sides of it today.”

**JULIO TEHERAN

On being happy to be home

“Yeah, we are happy. We know how we do at home. Every time we do well. We start really good today.”

On his outing

“Everything was working today. I made two mistakes early in the game. I settled in and everything was working today.”

On settling down after the home runs

“I was trying to not let the homers affect me and just concentrate on the next hitter. Even after they tied the game with the other homer, I just tried to stay focused on the game.”

On not having big innings

“I’ve been trying to throw a strike. Whenever you throw strikes, you have quick innings. You make the hitters swing the bat. That’s what I’ve been doing. That’s the difference.”

On reuniting with Bethancourt

It was a little weird in the beginning because we haven’t throw in a while. We got on the same page like always. It’s nice to have him back here.

On Bourn throwing out Blackmon at the plate

“We got in a little bit of trouble and that was a big play.”

On Gomes getting the lead back with a homer

“That was big. Whenever you get the lead that’s when you feel more comfortable and more confident. Even when they tied the game in the second inning, I was concentrating and really focused and I knew they were going to give the lead back to me.”

Braves top Rockies, end losing streak at seven

By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The few fans who came to Turner Field had watch the inglorious return of the Braves had barely settled in when Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon homered against Julio Teheran to lead off the game.

For the skeptics among them it must have had that familiar feeling of Braves failure. It would be another rough beginning for Teheran, another listless response from the lineup and another Braves loss.

But it was nothing like that. Teheran shook off the slow start and had a strong outing, and the Braves powered to a 5-3 victory against the Rockies to snap their season-long losing streak at seven games.

“It was nice to get a win,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “It seemed like a long, long time. Seven games is a long time to get a win. It was nice. Hopefully we can get rolling here at home and get some more victories.”

After losing three games at the and four at the Chicago Cubs, the Braves welcomed the return to Turner Field for a nine-game homestand. They are 33-24 at home and play 25 of their final 38 games at home including Monday’s victory. Teheran gave up two home runs early and then dominated while pitching 7 1/3 innings and allowing four hits and three runs. The Braves gave him leads with home runs by Jonny Gomes in the first inning and Adonis Garcia in the fourth, and then added on two more runs in the later innings.

“It takes two,” Gomes said. “It takes Julio to settle down, and us to answer.”

It seemed to be an ominous sign for Teheran and the Braves when Blackmon led off with the home run. Most of Teheran’s worst starts have featured ugly innings early in games, and the Braves aren’t equipped to slug their way to victory.

Teheran compiled a 5.76 ERA in the first innings of his previous 25 starts. The Braves have hit the fewest home runs and had scored the fewest runs in the majors.

But Teheran recovered and the Braves showed some power. Teheran had his longest outing since he pitched 7 1/3 innings on June 6 against and the Braves hit multiple home runs in a game for just the third time since July 11.

Gomes answered Blackmon’s homer with a two-run shot in the bottom of the first inning. Rockies outfielder Ben Paulsen, a Kell High product, tied the game with a home run to lead off the second inning.

After that, Teheran retired the next eight batters he faced and allowed just two base runners in the third through seventh innings.

“Whenever you get the lead, that’s when you feel more comfortable and more confident,” Teheran said. “Even when they tied the game in the second inning, I was concentrating and really focused and I knew (my teammates) were going to give the lead back to me.”

Garcia put the Braves ahead 3-2 with a home run in the fourth inning. After Cameron Maybin doubled to lead off the fifth, Gomes hit a go-ahead RBI single to score him. The Braves scored in the sixth inning when Pedro Ciriaco reached on a bunt single, went to second on Teheran’s sacrifice bunt and scored on a double by Nick Markakis for a 5-2 lead.

Pinch hitter Matt McBride chased Teheran with a one-out single in the eighth, leaving it to the Braves’ bullpen. Blackmon singled against Ross Detwiler, who gave way to Edwin Jackson.

After Jose Reyes grounded out to Jackson and the runners advanced, Brandon Barnes singled to score McBride (a run charged to Teheran). Blackmon tried to score from second base but left fielder Michael Bourn threw him out at the plate, a call that was confirmed on replay review.

Arodys Vizcaino pitched a perfect ninth inning for his fourth save.

“At this point, a win is a win,” Gomes said. “You can’t lose the value of slapping hands with each other when the game is over. That’s what it’s all about.”

Braves 5, Rockies 3

By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A recap of the Braves’ victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday at Turner Field.

How the game was won: Starting pitcher Julio Teheran recovered from a slow start and the Braves powered to a 5-3 victory. Teheran gave up solo home runs in the first and second innings before allowing just two base runners from the third through seventh. He allowed fours hits and three runs over 7 1/3 innings while striking out five. Jonny Gomes and Adonis Garcia hit go-ahead home runs for the Braves.

Number: 7. Home runs allowed by Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz in four August starts.

Next: The Braves play the Rockies at 7:10 Tuesday on SportSouth. Braves RHP Mike Foltynewicz (4-5, 6.06 ERA) vs. Rockies RHP Chad Bettis (5-4, 4.88).

‘New opportunity’ for Braves catcher Bethancourt

By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt’s reputation as a top prospect has taken a hit but he’ll get another chance to show he belongs in the big leagues.

The Braves recalled Bethancourt on Monday after he‘d been at Triple-A Gwinnett since June 15. Bethancourt was in the lineup for the series opener against the Rockies at Turner Field. “I think the biggest thing is we need to find out how good this guy can be,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “I always thought the catcher position takes a little longer to develop and this guy is only 23-years old and he may not get it until he’s 25 or 26. There’s a lot of responsibility with that catcher position.”

The Braves felt Bethancourt didn’t handle those responsibilities well during two stints in 2014 and for the first two months of this season. He struggled defensively and also didn’t take to the leadership role required for his position.

Gonzalez said Gwinnett manager Brian Snitker reported that Bethancourt was “running the game and running the pitching staff as good as anybody he’s seen” in Triple-A.

“Get ready with the pitcher and the relievers and going through their lineup, stuff that I needed to learn and needed to get done, and I think I did that,” Bethancourt said.

Gonzalez long has said he’s more concerned with Bethancourt’s leadership and defense than his hitting but the catcher was producing for the G- Braves. In 52 games he hit .327 with a .359 on-base percentage and a .480 slugging percentage.

Bethancourt also cut down on his passed balls at Gwinnett. He was charged with one in 425 1/3 innings after he had six in 260 1/3 innings in 2014 and five in 236 1/3 innings this season for the Braves.

Bethancourt’s strong arm is his best attribute. He’s thrown out 35 percent of potential base stealers (11 of 31) in the big leagues and got 44 percent of attempted base stealers (14 of 32) at Gwinnett this season.

Baseball America rated Bethancourt as the Braves’ No. 3 prospect after last season (and before they acquired several touted prospects in trades). It was somewhat surprising when they sent him back to Gwinnett.

“It wasn’t about a humbling or sending a message or any of that kind of stuff,” Gonzalez said. “It was about getting this guy right. I know that position takes a little longer to develop and maybe he wasn’t quite ready to take that responsibility.”

Gonzalez said Bethancourt is scheduled to start on Wednesday, with A.J. Pierzynski set to be in the lineup on Tuesday.

“Nobody wants to be in Triple-A but for me it was good to be back there and start over and start refreshed,” Bethancourt said. “Now it’s a new opportunity. Basically I’m going to start from zero and it’s what I do from now on.”

Braves send down E. Perez, DFA Aardsma, promote Marimon

By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Outfielder Eury Perez was the odd man out as the Braves shuffled their roster in the wake of catcher Christian Bethancourt’s promotion.

Perez was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday after he’d served as a solid bench player for 47 games with the Braves.

Bethancourt is the third catcher on the roster with A.J. Pierzynski and Ryan Lavarnway. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said the Braves can carry three catchers and one less outfielder because infielders and Adonis Garcia also can play the outfield. Gonzalez added that having Lavarnway on the bench gives him the option of using Pierzynski as a pinch hitter on his off days.

The Braves on Monday also recalled right-hander Sugar Ray Marimon from Gwinnett and designated right-hander David Aardsma for assignment.

Knee injury not serious for Braves shortstop Simmons

By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Braves shortstop was out of the lineup for a second straight game on Monday but does not have a serious knee injury, manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

“The doctors checked him out and nothing is structurally damaged, which that was nice news to hear,” Gonzalez said.

Simmons worked out with the team before they played the Rockies on Monday at Turner Field. Gonzalez said he would be available to play in the game and would be back in the lineup on Tuesday.

Simmons suffered the injury while sliding into third base on Saturday at the Cubs. Pedro Ciriaco has started both games in his place.

Braves prospects update

By Carroll Rogers Walton - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Touki Toussaint, RHP, low Single-A Rome

Ranking: No. 3 prospect in midseason report

Toussaint was placed on the DL on Monday as a precautionary move when he reported some tricep sores in his right arm.

He had pitched since Aug. 21, when he worked six strong innings in Charleston, giving up just one run on five hits walking two and striking out five. He needed only 77 pitches (50 of which were strikes) through six innings.

Mallex Smith, CF, Triple-A Gwinnett

Ranking: No. 6 prospect in Baseball America’s midseason report

Smith had four more multi-hit games over the past week to give him 13 in August. After hitting .222 (28-for-126) in his first 31 games after being called up from Double-A Mississippi, Smith has hit .357 (35-for-98) in his past 22. He has stolen 27 bases for Gwinnett and 50 combined for Double- A and Triple-A. Smith is still finding his way in center field, however, where he committed two errors in the third inning Sunday, allowing Louisville to tie the game 2-2.

Braxton Davidson, RF, low Class-A Rome

Ranking: No. 7 prospect in Baseball America’s midseason report

Davidson doubled and homered in a game against Asheville on Saturday, giving him nine home runs this year, his first full season since being drafted in the first round in 2014. He went 4-for-14 in the four-game series with two doubles, a homer and two RBIs. He’s now hitting .245.

Tyrell Jenkins, RHP, Triple-A Gwinnett

Ranking: No. 9 prospect in Baseball America’s midseason report

Jenkins’ will miss a second start as he opens this week still on the disabled list. Jenkins was pulled from his start August 16 after just two innings and 37 pitches with a “dead arm,” or a lack of life on his pitches. He is getting a precautionary breather, given his history of shoulder problems. He has pitched a career-high 136 2/3 innings this season in both Double-A and Triple-A. His previous high was 82 1/3 innings in 2012.

Lucas Sims, RHP, Double-A Mississippi

Ranking: No. 10 prospect in Baseball America’s midseason report

Sims is finding his groove. He pitched six innings Sunday in Pensacola, allowed just one run on three hits and struck out a career-high 10 batters, while walking just two. He threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of the first 16 batters he faced. He has won three straight starts, while giving up just two earned runs and eight hits in 17 1/3 innings, walking nine and striking out 21. He is now 3-2 with a 4.19 ERA in seven starts for Mississippi.

Christian Bethancourt, C, Triple- A Gwinnett

Ranking: No. 6 prospect by Baseball America preseason 2015

Bethancourt was recalled to Atlanta on Monday after recording 10 multi-hit games in 18 games this month, while batting .394 (28-for-71) with nine doubles, two home runs and 16 RBIs. Bethancourt matched his career-high with a four-hit game Saturday against Louisville, something he’s done five times. His previous four-hit game came Aug. 11, 2013, with Double-A Mississippi.

Jason Hursh, RHP, Triple-A Gwinnett

Ranking: No. 7 prospect by Baseball America preseason 2015 season

Hursh’s scoreless run through his first four relief appearances in Gwinnett came to an end with back-to-back outings against Louisville, during which he allowed five runs in 1 1/3 combined innings. Three of the runs came in one swing Thursday, the first home run he had allowed in his 19 innings since moving to the bullpen.

Rio Ruiz, 3B, Double-A Mississippi

Ranking: No. 11 prospect by Baseball America preseason 2015

Ruiz entered the week on a season-high eight-game hitting streak. He is 9-for-29 (.310) over the streak with four doubles, and he hit his third home run of the season on Sunday with a two-run shot. Ruiz has worked his season batting average up to .224 in 114 games for Mississippi. Andrew Thurman, RHP, high Class-A Carolina

Ranking: No. 20 prospect by Baseball America preseason 2015

Two starts since his demotion from Double-A, Thurman earned his first win. He pitched six innings Thursday night against Birmingham, allowing just one run on three hits, walking two and striking out three. Overall, Thurman is 7-5 with a 3.79 ERA in 16 games (15 starts) for both Carolina and Mississippi.

Daniel Castro, SS, Triple-A Gwinnett

Ranking: No. 28 prospect by Baseball America preseason 2015 season

Castro drove in six of Gwinnett’s 24 runs during a four-game weekend sweep over Louisville with a pair of three-hit, three-RBI games on Thursday and Saturday. The shortstop is batting .340 (17-for-50) in 14 games in August with three doubles and 12 RBIs.

Tuesday’s game: Braves vs. Rockies

By Carroll Rogers Walton - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Where: Turner Field

When: 7:10 p.m.

TV; radio: SPSO; 680, 93.7, 106.7

Probable starting pitchers: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (4-5, 6.06) vs. RH Chad Bettis (5-4, 4.88)

What’s new: Bettis is coming off the disabled list for this start, after missing five weeks with right shoulder inflammation. He pitched five scoreless innings in his final rehabilitation outing for Triple-A Albuquerque. Bettis beat Atlanta on July 12, pitching a quality start (three runs in six innings) in an 11-3 win at Coors Field, despite walking five batters. He struck out eight that day. New Braves young closer Arodys Vizcaino entered this series having allowed just one earned run in 17 2/3 innings, with just seven walks and 18 strikeouts. The Braves scored just 11 runs in four losses to the Rockies in Colorado just before the All-Star break. This is the Braves’ chance to atone for a series that started them on a horrible road slide of 22 losses in 24 road games.

—Carroll Rogers Walton

UPCOMING

Wednesday: vs. Rockies, 7:10 p.m.

Thursday: Off

Friday: vs. Yankees, 7:35 p.m.

Saturday: vs. Yankees, 7:10 p.m.

Sunday: vs. Yankees, 1:35 p.m.

Braves to place ceremonial first bricks at SunTrust Park

J. Scott Trubey

The Atlanta Braves will hold a ceremonial laying of the first bricks on Thursday at the new SunTrust Park.

The ceremony will likely include updates on ballpark construction.

The event will feature an honorary mason, Eustis Morris, who the Braves said laid bricks at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field.

Braves Chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk, President John Schuerholtz, hall of famer Hank Aaron and current Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman are expected to attend.

Also expected are the CEO of SunTrust, Bill Rogers; Cobb Commission Chairman Tim Lee and Commissioners JoAnn Birrell, Lisa Cupid, Bob Ott and Bob Weatherford. The event starts at 10 a.m., but the ceremony, at an active construction site, will not be open to the public.

MiLB.com

Resurgent Gil sharp in one-hit 'Cats outing

Atlanta southpaw attacks early en route to his best start for Carolina

By Craig Forde / Special to MiLB.com

Yean Carlos Gil's first run with Advanced Carolina to open the season did not go well, so by late June, he was sent down a level.

But in just his second game since being called back up from Class A Rome, Gil put together his best performance for the Mudcats, allowing just one hit over seven innings to help Carolina to a 7-0 win over the Wilmington Blue Rocks.

"He was aggressive early in the count with a lot of first-pitch strikes," said Carolina pitching coach Derrick Lewis. "He was on the attack and wasn't trying to be too fine. He threw all his pitches for strikes -- fastball, curveball and changeup. He was just really aggressive early and then got ahead."

The left-hander managed to throw first-pitch strikes to 16 of the 22 batters he faced on the night, striking out six and inducing nine ground-ball outs. He didn't issue any walks.

In the second inning, Gil (2-9) yielded a single to Keith Curcio, but got next batter Cam Gallagher to ground into a double play. That started a run of 10 straight outs before Alfredo Escalera-Maldonado reached on a wild pitch after striking out to lead off the sixth.

That was the last batter the Venezuela native allowed to get aboard. He set down the next six Wilmington hitters before departing with a 1-0 lead courtesy of Jose Briceno. The No. 25 Braves prospect belted a second-inning homer, his fourth of the season.

"Going into [the seventh], we had pretty much already made the decision that it would be his last inning," said Lewis. "That was pretty much already set."

After going 1-9 with a 6.39 ERA to start the season with Carolina, Gil started to regain his stuff in Rome. The 24-year-old threw two complete games for the Braves -- a five-hit shutout against Charleston on July 6 and a four-hitter on Aug. 14 in his final appearance with Rome before the promotion.

In his first start back with the Mudcats on Aug. 19, he picked up the victory over Wilmington. Despite the fact that Gil allowed five runs on nine hits, Lewis noticed that his hurler was more focused this time around.

"He threw the ball well there," said Lewis. "Mainly, just once he got on a good roll (in Rome), it was just bringing that same confidence here and keep it going. All you can do is continue to throw quality pitches, it doesn't matter where you are."

After Gil threw his 90th and final pitch of the night, the Mudcats piled on some insurance, capping a six-run seventh inning with a two-RBI single by Dustin Peterson. Atlanta's No. 15 prospect finished the night 4-for-4 with two doubles.

Matthew Strahm (1-5) took the hard-luck loss after allowing a run on three hits with nine strikeouts over five innings for the Blue Rocks.

Atlanta Business Chronicle

SportSouth to rebrand as FOX Sports Southeast

Phil W. Hudson - Staff Writer

SportSouth will change its name to FOX Sports Southeast on Oct. 5.

The FOX Sports regional network, which is home to the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Dream and Atlanta Hawks, reported it will be abbreviated as FSSE in television channel guides and all channel numbers will remain the same.

“FOX Sports is a universally recognized brand with clearly defined attributes of a dynamic attitude and excellence in sports production,” Jeff Genthner, senior vice president and general manager, said in a statement.

“Changing SportSouth to FOX Sports Southeast better aligns our regional sports network with the FOX Sports brand, and ensures that all of the regional networks serving the Southeast – FOX Sports South, FOX Sports Carolinas, FOX Sports Tennessee and now FOX Sports Southeast – share in that dynamic brand strength and recognition.” SportSouth televises more than 600 regional MLB, NBA and Division I college events annually to more than 10 million households across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

In addition to the Braves, Dream and Hawks, the FOX Sports regional networks serving the Southeast – FOX Sports South, FOX Sports Carolinas, FOX Sports Tennessee and SportSouth – is also home to the Carolina Hurricanes, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Nashville Predators, Cincinnati Reds, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, St. Louis Cardinals, UEFA Champions League and Bundesliga, as well as the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 Conference, Big East Conference and Conference USA.

The Sports Xchange

North's Blackmon leads off with a Rockies homer, but Braves snap losing streak

By Sports Xchange

ATLANTA -- Turner Field played small, almost like Coors Field, with four quick homers, but you could tell that the Braves were at home. They have rarely won away from Atlanta lately.

Atlanta right-hander Julio Teheran steadied himself after giving up two Colorado homers, and the Braves snapped a seven-game losing streak compiled on the road with a 5-3 victory Monday night over the Rockies.

"It was nice to get a win," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "It seems like a long, long time. ... Hopefully we'll get rolling again here at home."

Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon led off the game with a homer, and first baseman Ben Paulsen, also a left-handed hitter, connected to start the second inning, but Teheran (9-6) allowed just two other hits in 7 1/3 innings.

"When he's been successful, he's been able to limit the damage," Gonzalez said. "This might have been one of those times."

Left fielder Jonny Gomes drove in three runs with a homer and single, and third baseman Adonis Garcia also went deep for the Braves off Rockies starter Jorge De La Rosa (7-6).

"At this point, a win is a win," Gomes said. "You can't lose the value of slapping hands with each other when the game is over. That's what it is all about. ... Julio drove the bus for us."

A single by Rockies right fielder Brandon Barnes after Teheran departed scored an eighth-inning run, but Michael Bourn, a defensive replacement for Gomes, cut down Blackmon at the plate to keep it a two-run lead for the Braves (54-71).

"Bourn made a good throw, he had to to get Charlie, he runs real well," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "Bourn just made a real good throw and (catcher Christian) Bettencourt made a good tag."

It was the third straight victory for Teheran, who was charged with three runs. He struck out five and walked one before departing after 108 pitches.

"You know it's going to be tough against Teheran," Weiss said. "He's got a good slider, especially against right-handers. He had it working tonight."

Left-hander De La Rosa worked seven innings and gave up five runs on nine hits while walking four and striking out three in his 104-pitch outing. He also committed two balks.

Braves right fielder Nick Markakis had three hits, including an RBI double in the sixth inning.

Right-hander Arodys Vizcaino pitched the ninth inning for his fourth save in as many opportunities, retiring the Rockies (49-74) in order.

Blackmon pulled a 1-2 fastball from Teheran down the right-field line for his 15th homer to open the game. It was the fourth homer leading off a game for Blackmon this season and the fifth of his career.

De La Rosa gave up a two-run blast to Gomes in the bottom of the first, the veteran connecting on a 2-1 cutter and depositing his sixth homer of the year into the left-field seats.

Paulsen homered leading off the second inning to tie the game. The blast to right field came on a 1-2 slider from Teheran and was Paulsen's 10th home run.

The homers were the 20th and 21st given up by Teheran this year, but he got the lead back when Garcia connected in the fourth inning. De La Rosa hung a 0-1 curveball, and Garcia sent a blast over the center-field fence for his fifth homer of the year.

In the fifth, Gomes followed a double by center fielder Cameron Maybin with an RBI single to make it 4-2. Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez left the game in the fifth inning because of right knee soreness. The removal was termed precautionary by Weiss, who said there was a good chance Gonzalez would play Tuesday.

"No big deal," the manager said. "Patella soreness. Just precautionary. ... That thing acts up every once in a while, but nothing serious."

NOTES: The Braves made four roster moves Monday, recalling C Christian Bethancourt and RHP Sugar Ray Marimon from Triple-A Gwinnett, sending OF Eury Perez to Triple-A and releasing RHP David Aardsma. ... RHP Chad Bettis (5-4, 4.88 ERA) was activated from the disabled list by the Rockies, and he will start Tuesday against the Braves. ... To make room for Bettis, RHP David Hale was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. ... RHP Mike Foltynewicz (4-5, 6.06 ERA) is the scheduled Tuesday starter for the Braves. ... SS Andrelton Simmons was out of the Braves' lineup for the second straight game because of a sore knee. ... Rockies C Michael McKenry, on the 60-day disabled list with a torn meniscus, had knee surgery Monday in Denver. ... Colorado RHP Kyle Kendrick, on the 15-day disabled list because of shoulder inflammation, will throw a simulated game Tuesday.

Associated Press

Gomes drives in 3 runs, Braves beat Rockies 5-3 to end skid

By CHARLES ODUM (AP Sports Writer)

ATLANTA (AP) -- The home-road splits worked in Julio Teheran's favor, just as seeing a left-hander on the mound was good news for Jonny Gomes.

Teheran continued his strong pitching at Turner Field, Gomes drove in three runs with two hits, including a two-run homer in the first, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Colorado Rockies 5-3 on Monday night to end their seven-game losing streak.

Teheran improved to 7-1 at home this season. He is 9-6 with a 4.29 ERA overall despite his 2-5 mark and 6.32 ERA away from Atlanta. The Braves' return from a 0-7 road trip was perfect timing for Teheran's start.

Teheran allowed three runs on four hits in 7 1-3 innings. He recovered after giving up homers toCharlie Blackmon and Ben Paulsen in the first two innings.

''I wasn't afraid,'' he said. ''That's part of the game, when you make a mistake that's how you pay in this league. I was concentrating. I was focused on making my pitches to the next hitter.''

Adonis Garcia snapped a 2-2 tie with a homer off Jorge De La Rosa (7-6) in the fourth. Gomes' fifth-inning single drove in Cameron Maybin, who doubled.

Gomes hit cleanup despite taking a .208 batting average into the game as the Braves looked for a good matchup against De La Rosa, a left-hander. Gomes' .274 career average against left-handers is more than 50 points better than his mark against right-handers. Four of his six homers this season have come against lefties.

Michael Bourn replaced Gomes in left field and threw out Blackmon at the plate in the eighth.

''That's the blueprint these days with the platoon,'' Gomes said. ''Today we showed both sides of it.''

The Rockies have lost four straight.

Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez left the game in the fifth with soreness in his right knee. His status is day to day and manager Walt Weiss called the move ''just precautionary.''

Brandon Barnes, who took over for Gonzalez in right field, drove in Matt McBride with a single to left field off Edwin Jackson in the eighth. Blackmon tried to score from second but a replay confirmed he was tagged out by catcher Christian Bethancourt on Bourn's throw.

Arodys Vizcaino pitched a perfect ninth for his fourth save.

De La Rosa allowed five runs on nine hits and four walks in seven innings.

Nick Markakis had three hits, including a run-scoring double in the sixth.

Bethancourt, recalled before the game, was 0 for 3 with a walk.

MORE MOVES

The Braves also recalled right-hander Sugar Ray Marimon. Right-hander David Aardsma was designated for assignment and outfielder Eury Perez was optioned to Gwinnett. NO HURRY

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said there is no rush to call up infielder Hector Olivera from Gwinnett. Olivera was acquired in the July 30 deal that sent left-hander Alex Wood and prospect Jose Peraza, among others, to the Dodgers. Gonzalez said Olivera, from Cuba, needs more time to sharpen his skills.

''We just want to make sure he's ready and give him every opportunity to get ready,'' Gonzalez said. ''And really, there's no rush.''

TRAINER'S ROOM

Rockies: C Michael McKenry had surgery in Denver on Monday to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee. He was placed on the 60-day DL on Wednesday. ... RHP Kyle Kendrick, who has been on the DL since Aug. 1 with right shoulder inflammation, is set to pitch a simulated game on Sunday.

Braves: SS Andrelton Simmons (sore left knee) did not start for the second straight day but was available off the bench. Fredi Gonzalez said Simmons, who banged his knee on a slide in Saturday's game at Chicago, is expected to start on Tuesday night.

UP NEXT

Rockies: RHP Chad Bettis, who has been on the disabled list since July 19 with right elbow inflammation, will start on Tuesday night. Bettis was activated from the DL before the game and RHPDavid Hale was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Braves: RHP Mike Foltynewicz has a 9.00 ERA in four August starts after giving up 21 runs in 21 innings. He'll look for a turnaround against Colorado after allowing at least six runs in three of his last four starts.

Rockies-Braves Preview

By KEVIN CHROUST (STATS Writer)

The Atlanta Braves have moved past their worst losing streak of the season and are in a position to win a third straight home series, but getting there is probably going to require their next starter to overcome his own struggles.

Mike Foltynewicz will try to get past allowing 13 runs in 9 1-3 innings over his last two starts Tuesday night against the visiting Colorado Rockies, who can't be certain what they'll get from returning starter Chad Bettis.

Foltynewicz (4-5, 6.06 ERA) has gone through plenty of hard times this season, but those are probably at their peak after the right-hander gave up a career-high seven runs and eight hits in 4 2-3 innings of Thursday's 7-1 loss at Wrigley Field. He also came an out shy of making it through five innings in his previous start, surrendering six runs and nine hits to Arizona in an 8-4 loss.

In 27 innings over five starts since the All-Star break, the 23-year-old has given up nine home runs after surrendering eight in 54 2-3 innings of nine starts and three relief efforts before that.

"I've just got to refine the off-speed (pitches) a little better and I think I'm heading in the right direction," Foltynewicz told MLB's official website after facing the Cubs. "They just came out swinging it pretty well tonight."

Carlos Gonzalez is 2 for 2 against him, but the Colorado slugger is day to day with right knee soreness after being removed from Monday's 5-3 loss.

Bettis is coming off the disabled list having been sidelined since July 18 due to elbow inflammation. The right-hander knows he's going to spend the last month-plus of the season auditioning for the Rockies' up-for-grabs 2016 rotation.

"It's huge," Bettis said. "One, to show that I'm healthy again. Two, to show that I didn't miss a beat. It's going to be big."

In two rehab starts split between Double-A New Britain and Triple-A Albuquerque, Bettis (5-4, 4.88) gave up five hits in 8 1-3 scoreless innings while walking two and striking out 11.

The 26-year-old got off to a promising start with a 3-2 record, 3.44 ERA and 2.72 walks per nine innings in his first eight starts this season, but he fell off to 2-2 with a 7.62 ERA and 5.19 walks per nine in his last five before heading to the DL.

The second to last came against the Braves as Bettis yielded three runs and three hits in six innings of an 11-3 home victory on July 12. It was his third outing in the series with Bettis going 1-1 with an 8.25 ERA and 11 walks in 12 innings.

Atlanta (54-71) snapped a seven-game skid overall and a six-gamer against Colorado in the opener.Nick Markakis was 3 for 5 and is batting .407 in his last six contests, while Cameron Maybin had his fourth straight two-hit game at Turner Field. Andrelton Simmons (sore left knee) didn't start for the second straight game, but manager Fredi Gonzalez said the shortstop is expected to start Tuesday.

The Rockies (49-74) have dropped 12 of 14, four straight and five in a row on the road while batting .158. They're 25 games under .500 for the sixth season in franchise history and third time in the last four years.

Charlie Blackmon homered Monday and is batting .395 on a 10-game hitting streak.

Braves recall Bethancourt, Marimon from Triple-A Gwinnett

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Braves have recalled right-hander Sugar Ray Marimon and catcher Christian Bethancourt from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Right-hander David Aardsma has been designated for assignment. Outfielder Eury Perez was optioned to Gwinnett.

Bethancourt was given the chance to take over as Atlanta's starting catcher before veteran A.J. Pierzynski won the job. The 23-year-old Bethancourt hit only .198 in 101 at-bats over 29 games before he was optioned to Gwinnett on June 15.

The 26-year-old Marimon is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in only six games. He was optioned to Gwinnett on June 28.

The 33-year-old Aardsma, who was signed by Atlanta on June 6, was 1-1 with a 4.70 ERA in 33 games. Perez hit .269 in 47 games.