Atlanta Braves News: Six Losses, Michael Harris Confident, and More

For the first time since 2017, the Atlanta Braves have lost six games in a row. Friday night’s 8-4 loss to the New York Mets extended the Braves’ decline and moved them into third place in the NL East.

Charlie Morton got the start and lasted just 2.2 frames, conceding seven runs, five of which were earned.

Adam Duvall hit two home runs and Marcell Ozuna hit a solo home run, but other than that, the lack of timely hits was still the problem for the Braves.

Atlanta is now 54-48 and will be hoping to bounce back today with Spencer Schwellenbach on the mound.

More Braves news:

After his recent 60-day injured list transfer, Michael Harris II is confident he will return to the starting lineup in mid-August.

AJ Smith-Shawver, Drake Baldwin, Hurston Waldrep and Nacho Alvarez Jr. all landed on Fangraphs’ Midseason Top 100 Prospects List.

AJ Smith-Shawver completes Battery Power’s Top 30 Prospects list.

EJ Exposito doubled twice for the Rome Emperors on Thursday. More in the minor league recap.

Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution breaks down the different paths to the World Series in the latest Braves Dispatch.

MLB News:

The New York Mets have designated left-hander Josh Walker for assignment. The move was made to free up a roster spot for Ryne Stanek, who joined the club from the Seattle Mariners.

The Chicago Cubs acquired minor league outfielder Gilberto Celestino from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for a cash consideration.

San Francisco Giants pitcher Keaton Winn will undergo season-ending elbow surgery Monday after being placed on the IL a month ago with elbow inflammation.

The A’s re-instated pitcher Paul Blackburn from the injured list on Friday. He returned to the pitch three innings and surrendered four runs.

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired reliever Cole Sulser from the New York Mets in a cash deal, sending the 34-year-old to Triple-A Durham.

The Baltimore Orioles acquired right-hander Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for three prospects. To clear a roster spot, the O’s designated right-hander Vinny Nittoli for assignment.

The Seattle Mariners acquired right-handed pitcher Yimi Garcia from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for outfielder Jonatan Clase and a minor league player.

The Detroit Tigers have placed outfielder Riley Greene on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring injury.

The Philadelphia Phillies acquired outfielder Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-handed pitcher Seranthony Dominguez and outfielder Cristian Pache.

The Los Angeles Dodgers traded left-hander James Paxton to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for a minor league player.

The Seattle Mariners received All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays. In return, the Rays will receive two prospects and a player to be named later.