ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves’ upcoming three-game series against the Chicago Cubs carries added meaning, marking the team’s first home games since the deaths of Atlanta icons Ted Turner, who died Wednesday, and Bobby Cox, who passed away Saturday.
RELATED: Bobby Cox, legendary Atlanta Braves skipper, dies at 84
Before Tuesday’s game, which will be broadcast live on Gray Media, the Braves will honor Turner and Cox with a moment of silence and a video tribute.
On the field, the matchup carries plenty of weight as well: the Braves enter with the best record in baseball at 28–13, while the Cubs hold the second-best mark in the league at 27–14.
Braves-Cubs pitching probables
Tuesday, 7:15 p.m. EST – RHP Grant Holmes (2-1, 4.34 ERA) vs. RHP Colin Rea (4-1, 4.03 ERA)
Wednesday, 7:15 p.m. EST – RHP JR Ritchie (1-0, 4.34 ERA) vs. LHP Shota Imanaga (4-2, 2.28 ERA)
Thursday, 7:15 p.m. EST – LHP Chris Sale (6-2, 2.20 ERA) vs. RHP Ben Brown (1-1, 1.82 ERA)
Holmes’ last start for the Braves came on May 1, when he tossed five innings against the Colorado Rockies, allowing five earned runs on seven hits and three walks. The Braves ultimately clawed back to take that game, but Holmes’ next start was scratched in favor of Martín Pérez.
Ritchie last pitched against his hometown Seattle Mariners on May 4, throwing five innings of scoreless baseball before allowing three runs in the sixth inning, ultimately contributing to a 5–4 loss after Atlanta had built a 4–0 lead.
The Braves have six pitchers — Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder, Holmes, Ritchie and Pérez — that they can remain flexible with going forward, although it’s possible that either Holmes, Ritchie or Pérez could eventually shift into a long relief role if needed.
Hitters to watch
Braves: First baseman Matt Olson has entered the Most Valuable Player conversation with six home runs and a 1.158 OPS over his last 12 games. He also etched his name into the record books by appearing in his 823rd consecutive game on Sunday, the 10th-longest streak in MLB history. He now needs just seven more games to pass Eddie Yost (829) for ninth all-time.
Cubs: Over the past 15 days, Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong have each hit three home runs, while Ian Happ has scored 13 runs over the same stretch. It’s no secret the Cubs can hit. They’re the second-best offensive team in baseball for a reason.
Injury report
Braves:
RF Ronald Acuña Jr. (quad)LHP Dylan Dodd (spine)RHP Joe Jimenez (knee)RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow)RHP AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow)RHP Hurston Waldrep (elbow)LHP Danny Young (elbow)
RELATED: Braves’ Ha-Seong Kim (finger) activated from injured list ahead of Cubs series
Cubs:
LHP Matthew Boyd (meniscus)RHP Hunter Harvey (triceps)RHP Porter Hodge (flexor)RHP Cade Horton (UCL)LHP Riley Martin (elbow)LHP Justin Steele (elbow)LHP Caleb Thielbar (hamstring)LHP Jordan Wicks (forearm)How to watch Braves on Gray
The Braves and Gray Media will simulcast 25 games for free, over-the-air to fans across Braves Country through local television stations, reaching 26 markets throughout the Southeast.
Tuesday’s game at Truist Park will be broadcast live on Gray Media.
For broadcast times, channel information and additional details, fans are encouraged to click here and check local Gray Media station listings in their markets.
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