Braves Extend Winning Streak To Seven With Sweep Of Mets

The Braves got off to a very strong start as the second half of the season began, sweeping the Mets at Turner Field. The three victories extended Atlanta's winning streak from seven games, which also includes three games against the Phillies and one with the Cubs.

Game one of the series saw Tim Hudson surrender an early lead, but the offense managed to score early and often as the bullpen held off New York as the Braves win by a score of 7-5.

Similar to Hudson, Tommy Hanson was given an early lead and gave it back to the Mets. Atlanta trailed 7-5 in the eighth, but back-to-back-to-back hits from Michael Bourn, Martin Prado and Jason Heyward drove home three runs to take the lead. Craig Kimbrel worked a quick ninth inning to secure a huge 8-7 win.

Sunday's series finale was the Ben Sheets show. The veteran righty worked six shutout innings in his first major league start since 2010, allowing just two hits and a walk. The Braves scored six runs in the sixth inning to lead them to a 6-1 win.

The Braves now sit three games back of the Nationals in the National League East, and they hold a lead of 3.5 over the Mets, seven over the Marlins and 11 over the Phillies. They'll welcome in the San Francisco Giants for a three-game series at Turner Field beginning Tuesday night.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.

MLB Standings 2012: Braves 3 Games Back Of Nationals For N.L. East Lead

The Braves are only three games back of the Nationals for the N.L. East lead.

Ben Sheets Talks Long Comeback, Feels Like Himself Again

Paul Janish Will Be Everyday Shortstop For Braves Until Andrelton Simmons Returns

Paul Janish arrived at Turner Field on Sunday and was promptly inserted into the starting lineup by Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez and that figures to be an everyday thing until Andrelton Simmons returns from injury.

"We got him to play shortstop," Gonzalez said. "We didn't bring him in to win the batting title. He's here to sure up our defense and catch the ball."

Janish isn't expected to hit much as his .237 average at Triple-A Louisville suggests but he is more than adequate defensively and right now that is what Atlanta needs most while it waits for Andrelton Simmons to return from a broken finger on his throwing hand. Janish understands his role and is grateful to have another opportunity.

"I'm probably going to be a catch and throw guy for the majority of my career," Janish said. "I'm comfortable with that. I'm fine with that. I take a lot of pride in my defense. Whatever I can do to help the team win. Obviously, wins are big right now from here on out down the stretch. Whatever I can do to help."

For more on the Braves check out Talking Chop. For more Major League Baseball news and notes head over to Baseball Nation.

Mets Vs. Braves Final Score: Ben Sheets Pitches Braves To 7th Straight Win

Ben Sheets probably couldn't have imagined a better debut. The veteran right hander spun six innings of shutout baseball to help the Braves to a 6-1 win over the New York Mets. The win was Atlanta's seventh in a row and completed a three-game sweep of the Mets which puts a little distance between Atlanta and New York in the NL East standings.

Atlanta scored all six runs in the fifth inning off of New York starter Johan Santana. Michael Bourn doubled home Matt Diaz to start the scoring and the big blow in the inning came in the form of a three-run homer by Freddie Freeman. Santana and the Mets were upset with a couple of pitches that were called balls by home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor which eventually led to pitching coach Dan Warthen being ejected.

However, Sheets was the story today as he allowed two hits in six innings while throwing 57 of his 88 pitches for strikes. Sheets walked one and struck out five while picking up the victory. Santana suffers his sixth loss of the season after allowing eight hits and six runs in five innings.

Freeman drove in three runs for the Braves with his 12th homer while Chipper Jones went 2 for 4. The Braves outfield trio of Michael Bourn, Martin Prado and Jason Heyward all drove in runs in the six run fifth.

For more on the Braves check out Talking Chop. For more Major League Baseball news and notes head over to Baseball Nation.

Mets Vs. Braves Starting Lineups: Paul Janish, Ben Sheets To Make Atlanta Debuts

The Atlanta Braves look to extend their season best six-game winning stream to seven on Sunday and to new Braves will be making their debuts in an Atlanta uniform. Shortstop Paul Janish will start and bat eighth after being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for minor league pitcher Todd Redmond. Janish will be asked to help fill in after injuries to Andrelton Simmons and Jack Wilson.

Also making his Atlanta debut on Sunday is starting pitcher Ben Sheets who was signed to a minor league contract a few weeks ago and will take the mound for the Braves on Sunday.

Here is a look at the full lineups for Sunday's series finale against the New York Mets:

Atlanta Braves

1. Michael Bourn CF
2. Martin Prado 2B
3. Jason Heyward RF
4. Chipper Jones 3B
5. Freddie Freeman 1B
6. Brian McCann C
7. Matt Diaz LF
8. Paul Janish SS
9. Ben Sheets P

New York Mets

1. Reuben Tejada SS
2. Daniel Murphy 2B
3. David Wrigth 3B
4. Ike Davis 1B
5. Scott Hairston LF
6. Kirk Nieuwenhuis RF
7. Andres Torres CF
8. Josh Thole C
9. Johan Santana P

For more on the Braves check out Talking Chop. For more Major League Baseball news and notes head over to Baseball Nation.

Mets Vs. Braves Sunday Time, TV, Radio Info And More

Ben Sheets will make his debut in a Braves uniform on Sunday with Atlanta looking for their seventh consecutive win and a three-game sweep of the New York Mets. Sheets was signed to a minor league deal by the Braves and started twice at the Double-A level before being called up. Randall Delgado was sent to Triple-A to make room on the roster.

The Mets will turn to lefty Johan Santana who had his scheduled start on Friday pushed back to Sunday because of a sore ankle. Santana struggled last time out giving up seven earned runs in 4.2 innings in a loss to the Cubs. Lifetime he is 3-7 in 14 starts against the Braves despite having a 2.53 ERA.

Game Date/Time: Sunday, July 15, 1:35 p.m. ET

Location: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia

TV: Fox Sport South

Radio: 680 The Fan

Online Streaming: MLB.tv

For more on the Braves check out Talking Chop. For more Major League Baseball news and notes head over to Baseball Nation.

Mets Vs. Braves: Atlanta Offense Coming Around During Winning Streak

Braves Roster Moves: Ben Sheets' Contract Purchased, Randall Delgado To Gwinnett, Jack Wilson To DL

Following a huge win on Saturday night over the Mets, the Braves announced a couple of big (and expected) roster moves. The first decision was to purchase Ben Sheets' contract. He will start on Sunday afternoon, which will be his first major league appearance in nearly two years.

To make room for Sheets on the roster, Randall Delgado has been sent down to Triple-A Gwinnett. I said earlier in the week that it made sense for Delgado (and not Mike Minor) to be sent down due to his age and need for further seasoning, and the Braves echoed the idea. This is the right move, even if Delgado has better numbers than Minor.

All of this being said, Randall should not get too comfortable in Gwinnett; he is expected to make one of the starts for the Braves' doubleheader next Saturday with the Nationals.

Jack Wilson was placed on the 15-day disabled list with his hand injury. Recently acquired shortstop Paul Janish has been moved to the 25-man roster and will be in Atlanta for the game tomorrow. He is expected to be in the starting lineup.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.

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Braves Win Thriller Over Mets For Sixth Straight Victory

The Braves looked like a club about to let a winnable ballgame get away from them, but a late rally in the eighth inning propelled them to a huge 8-7 victory over the Mets. Atlanta has now won six games in a row and are putting some distance between themselves and the teams trailing them in the National League East.

Tommy Hanson was staked to early leads of 3-1 and 5-3, but he and the bullpen were unable to keep the Mets bats in check. New York rallied for three runs in the sixth inning to move up 6-5, and they added an insurance run in the top of the eighth.

Brian McCann drew a walk to start the bottom of the eighth. He was followed by Dan Uggla, who singled to right. Tyler Pastornicky came on and struck out on a missed bunt, and Juan Francisco struck out following a pitching change. It appears the Braves would see their key scoring opportunity go to waste, but Michael Bourn worked the count in his favor before lining a ball up the middle to drive home McCann.

Martin Prado entered and snuck a single to right field to bring home Uggla from third to tie the game. Jason Heyward then shot a ball through the left side of the infield to bring Bourn home, sending the crowd of 32,565.

Craig Kimbrel came on the ninth and struck out all three batters to protect the 8-7 lead.

It was a huge win for the club, and now they'll turn to Ben Sheets to sweep their second-straight series. He'll be opposed by Johan Santana.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.

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Atlanta Braves Acquire Shortstop Paul Janish From Reds

The Atlanta Braves were known to be in the market for a stopgap shortstop as Andrelton Simmons recovers from a broken bone in his pinky finger. Various names had been suggested, but it appears the club settled for Reds shortstop Paul Janish. He is currently playing in Triple-A.

Confirmed:Braves have traded Todd Redmond to the Reds for SS Paul Janish

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 14, 2012

Janish is 29 years old and hit .214/.259/.262 with Cincinnati last year, so it's doubtful that Atlanta plans on using him as an occasional starter alongside Martin Prado and/or Jack Wilson.

As for Todd Redmond, he is currently in his sixth season with the Braves' minor league affiliates. While he has strong numbers across the board (6-6, 3.58 ERA, 8.18K/9 and 2.38 BB/9) he projects to be a middle reliever at the most.

This really isn't too substantial of a move for Atlanta. They acquire depth at the shortstop position, and a player who can hold his own in the field. Redmond is a great teammate and deserves a chance, but there simply isn't room for him with the Braves.

For more on the club, check out Talking Chop.

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Braves Recall Tyler Pastornicky From Triple-A, Brian McCann Reinstated

The Braves made two roster moves on Saturday morning. The first was Brian McCann being reinstated from the paternity list after spending last night welcoming in his first son, Colt, into the world. McCann will be in today's starting lineup.

The other move came with Tyler Pastornicky being called up. J.C. Boscan was sent down to make room for him. Pastornicky is capable of playing shortstop, but the Braves have made it pretty clear they view him as a utility player now. Martin Prado will make the start this afternoon.

It's worth noting that even with these moves, a trade could still be in the works. There's no denying that general manager Frank Wren is eager to acquire a shortstop capable of holding his own in the field, and a deal apparently could be done at any moment.

Here's the rest of the Braves lineup:

Michael Bourn - CF
Martin Prado - SS
Jason Heyward - RF
Chipper Jones - 3B
Freddie Freeman - 1B
Brian McCann - C
Dan Uggla - 2B
Eric Hinske - LF
Tommy Hanson = P

First pitch is set for 4:05 from Turner Field.

Braves Vs. Mets: Saturday Preview, TV Schedule And More

Braves and Mets fans shouldn't exactly count on 12 runs and over 20 hits on Saturday, as two of baseball's better pitchers will be taking the mound. Tommy Hanson gets the ball for the Atlanta Braves, and will face off against All-Star R.A. Dickey on Saturday afternoon.

Hanson will be looking for his 11th win of the season. To date, Hanson is 10-5, with a 3.71 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. Hanson has struck out 93 batters in 106 and 2/3 innings on the, while walking just 38. Hanson's last start came on July 7 against the Phillies, a game that he and the Braves won.

Dickey, meanwhile, has been one of baseball's best stories in 2012. The knuckleballer is 12-1 on the season, and he carries a 2.40 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and .203 average against into the start. Dickey has struck out 123 batters on the season in 120 innings, and has issued just 26 walks on the year.

The Braves are likely going to make a roster move prior to Saturday's game, to address the situation at shortstop after Andrelton Simmons went down with an injury.

First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET at Turner Field. Televised coverage can be found on FOX.

For more on the Braves, head over to Talking Chop.

Tyler Pastornicky Not A Likely Replacement For Andrelton Simmons At Shortstop

The Braves are exploring all options when it comes to the shortstop position and are currently pursuing for a veteran that would serve as a stop-gap replacement for Andrelton Simmons. The Braves are playing shorthanded on Friday night but will call up someone from the minors on Saturday if no trade has been made.

"We're having conversations and how we best fill that," Braves general manager Frank Wren said. "It's somewhat of a short-term need, so we're waiting to find the right fit. ... We've had conversations over the break with clubs. It's one of those (you) can't really speed the process up. We're moving along and hopefully in the next day or so we'll get to the end of it."

However, according to Frank Wren it is unlikely that Tyler Pastornicky will be the choice for the promotion. Pastornicky has been playing second base and figures to get some time in the outfield at some point as he shifts into more of a utility role.

For more on Andrelton Simmons and the Braves check out Talking Chop. For more Major League Baseball news and notes head over to Baseball Nation.

David Ross, Chipper Jones Lead Braves To Wild 7-5 Win Over Mets

On a game played the night of Friday the 13th, the Braves and Mets saw their fair share of oddities at Turner Field. Ominous clouds cleared up just moments before first pitch, the power went out for about 15 minutes and the Mets walked a total of 11 batters.

OK -- so maybe that last bit isn't all that surprising. But in what was a truly entertaining game, the Braves came away with a big 7-5 win to open the second half of the season.

Jason Heyward singled home the first run of the game in the first inning. David Ross then drew a bases-loaded walk to move Atlanta up 2-0. Ross belted a three-run homer in the third inning to give the Bravos a commanding 5-0 lead.

The Mets rallied in the fourth for four runs, aided by a couple of bloops that somehow made their way into an area unoccupied by a defender. After loading up the bases with no one out, Cristhian Martinez replaced Tim Hudson and somehow got out of the jam without allowing a run to score.

Chipper Jones hit a deep homer to center field on a hanging curveball to give the Braves a 6-4 lead in the sixth, and then Dan Uggla singled home another run. The Mets cut the deficit to 7-5 in the top of the eighth with an RBI single from Andres Torres, but that's all they would muster against the Atlanta bullpen.

Craig Kimbrel came in the ninth and struck out three of the four batters he faced to secure his 26th save of the year.

The Braves and Mets will meet again on Saturday afternoon. It'll be Tommy Hanson against R.A. Dickey on the mound.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.

Jack Wilson Injury: Shortstop Dislocates Right Pinky Finger, Listed Day-To-Day

Atlanta Braves shortstop Jack Wilson left Friday's game against the New York Mets when he tried to field a grounder and injured his pinky finger. Wilson headed to the locker room with a trainer for further assessment which included an x-ray that revealed that he dislocated his middle joint on his right pinky finger. The Braves have listed Wilson as day-to-day.

Prior to leaving the game Wilson was 0-for-2 from the plate with a strike out. With Wilson out for the rest of Friday's game, the Braves have no other shortstops on the roster and had to pull Martin Prado out of left field to fill in as an emergency shortstop. Prado has not played the shortstop position since 2008.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop. Mets fans can visit Amazin Avenue for their coverage. Go check out Baseball Nation for more news and notes around the Major Leagues.

Braves Down To Their Emergency Shortstop As Jack Wilson Leaves Game With Finger Injury

The Atlanta Braves are down to their emergency shortstop as their starter Jack Wilson left the game after an apparent finger injury when trying to field a ground ball, and he was taken to the dug out by an assistant trainer. The Braves were already missing a shortstop, but now with Wilson out they are going to extreme measures by bringing in Martin Prado from left field to play shortstop.

Prado has not played shortstop since 2008, and Eric Hinske is coming off of the bench to replace Prado in left field. With Prado back at shortstop for the first time in over four years the Braves better hope that their pitchers can keep the ball away from that part of the infield.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop. Mets fans can visit Amazin Avenue for their coverage. Go check out Baseball Nation for more news and notes around the Major Leagues.

Braves Vs. Mets: Power Outage Causing Delay At Turner Field

The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets are in the midst of a power outage at Turner Field which has put the game on hold after the first inning. Players from both teams have left the field, and there is no reason why the power went out in the stadium.

So far the Braves are leading the Mets 2-0 after one inning, the first run came when Jason Heyward reached base with an infield single which knocked in Michael Bourn. The second run came after the bases were loaded and Mets starting pitcher Chris Young walked Braves catcher David Ross which allowed Freddie Freeman to give the Braves a two run lead.

There is currently no timetable for when the game will resume.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop. Mets fans can visit Amazin Avenue for their coverage. Go check out Baseball Nation for more news and notes around the Major Leagues.

Mets Vs. Braves: Brian McCann Away For Birth Of Child

Catcher Brian McCann was not in Friday's lineup against the Mets as he and his wife are expecting the birth of their first child, according to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The Braves recalled catcher J.C. Boscan from Triple-A Gwinnett.

McCann and his wife, Ashley, visited their doctor over the All-Star break and a decision was made to induce child birth while the Braves were at home. The original due date was next weekend while the team is on the road in Washington.

MLB's paternity list allows players to miss up to three days, but Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said McCann could be back on Saturday if things went well.

According to the AJC, the McCanns are expecting a son and will name him Colt.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop. Mets fans can visit Amazin Avenue for their coverage.

Braves Hold Off On Roster Move While Exploring Deal For Shortstop

While the Braves try to fill the hole at shortstop, a potential call-up won't happen Friday as the Braves look for possible trade opportunities, according to various reports.

#Braves are planning to hold off on SS roster move for a day, presumably still trying to work a deal

— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) July 13, 2012

Braves opted not to call up Josh Wilson. Indicates they hope to make a deal for a stopgap SS soon.

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 13, 2012

Andrelton Simmons will miss at least a month with a broken hand. On Thursday, manager Fredi Gonzalez said a call-up was possible on Friday, with Tyler Pastornicky or veteran Josh Wilson as the likely options. Pastornicky was Atlanta's starting shortstop to begin the season.

But Atlanta will hold off on a move while trade opportunities continue to be explored.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop. Mets fans can visit Amazin Avenue for their coverage.

Atlanta Braves Recall Catcher J.C. Boscan From Gwinnett; Brian McCann Not In Starting Lineup

The Atlanta Braves have called up veteran catcher J.C. Boscan up from Triple-A. The news came as a bit of a surprise initially as most felt it he was replacing the injured Andrelton Simmons, but with news coming that Brian McCann was not starting Friday's game, it appears he'll be there to back up David Ross.

McCann has reportedly been placed on the bereavement list for paternity leave. No word on who will replace Simmons on the roster moving forward.

It appears unlikely the Braves will bring Tyler Pastornicky back up to the club after his struggles earlier in the season, and most are pointing to utility man Josh Wilson as the likely pick. A trade could also be made.

More to come shortly.

Michael Bourn - CF
Martin Prado - LF
Jason Heyward - RF
Chipper Jones - 3B
Freddie Freeman - 1B
Dan Uggla - 2B
David Ross - C
Jack Wilson - SS
Tim Hudson - P

First pitch from Turner Field is scheduled for 7:35 this evening.

Braves Vs. Mets: Game 1 Preview, TV Info And More

The Braves ended the first half of the 2012 MLB season red hot, sweeping the Phillies on the road to reclaim second place in the NL East. The Mets, however, are just a half-game back of Atlanta and have taken four of six against the Braves this season. The second half's first month could make or break Atlanta, as 23 of 29 games will come against division opponents, where the Braves have been below .500 (12-13) this season. Since a strong start in April, Atlanta has amassed a 32-30 record.

Tim Hudson has yet to face the Mets this season due to his time on the DL to start the season, but has 15 career wins in 25 starts against New York.

Date / Time: Friday, July 13, 7:35 p.m. ET

Location: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia

TV: Peachtree TV, Sports South

Radio: WNNX 100.5, WCNN 680

Probable Starters: Chris Young (2-2) vs. Tim Hudson (7-4)

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop. Mets fans can visit Amazin Avenue for their coverage.

Andrelton Simmons Injury: Braves Still Looking For Options At Shortstop

With Andrelton Simmons out for a month or longer with a broken finger on his throwing hand the Braves are examining all options when it comes to replacing him. Fredi Gonzalez indicated that a roster move is likely on Friday but the Braves were exploring a couple of options from the minor leagues and were also exploring trade opportunities.

"We are still kicking it around," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We've got a couple options in Triple-A that we could call up. We are going to keep weighing those options."

"I think we are looking right now," Gonzalez said. "I spoke to [general manager] Frank [Wren] twice a day every day during the break. He is looking out there [at possible trades], seeing who is available. There is some potential there also."

Tyler Pastornicky is the logical choice to be recalled to the majors from Triple-A. He started the season as the Braves starting shortstop and is hitting .264 with Gwinnett. Veteran Jack Wilson will also see an increase in playing time and is the most likely candidate to start on Friday.

For more on Andrelton Simmons and the Braves check out Talking Chop. For more Major League Baseball news and notes head over to Baseball Nation.

Atlanta Braves Look To Start Second Half Strong Against Mets

Previewing this weekend's big series between the Mets and Braves in Atlanta.