Atlanta Braves News: Draft targets, All-Star starters, Chris Sale and more

While the major league team continues to search for a consistent offense, the draft is fast approaching and our minor league team is producing some great players. The Braves tend to make underslot picks in the first round to save money and distribute that money under Anthopoulos later in the draft. There have been reports that there were some players they would have given up that strategy for, but those players did not make it to the Braves. I like the underslot strategy, especially picking later in the draft where you don’t have access to the absolute top talent that is available early in the draft. Getting more viable opportunities seems like a good idea, especially when the Braves organization knows exactly what profiles they like to work with and has plans for each new player.

Braves News

Our in-house draft expert Matt Powers took a look at one of the names most frequently thrown at Atlanta: switch pitcher (yes, you read that right) Jurrangelo Cijntje.

The Braves were excluded from the All-Star starters this season because Marcell Ozuna or Chris Sale would have been the strongest candidates on the team.

Chris Sale was once again absolutely dominant for Atlanta, and that’s what they need to win games given their current faltering offense.

MLB News

Toronto closer Jordan Romano will be out for at least six weeks after a relatively minor procedure on his elbow.

The Rays traded Aaron Civale to the Brewers after acquiring the starter from Cleveland last year. The Rays get a young player and the Brewers add Civale to their rotation.

Former top prospect Shane Baz will return to the Rays’ rotation and take Civale’s place.

The Nationals release Braves legend Eddie Rosario and request an unconditional release, making him a free agent.