Week in Review

After a one week hiatus, Week in Review is back and boy is there a lot to talk about. The trade deadline has come and gone, signaling the beginning of the stretch run. As the Atlanta Braves enter the dog days of summer, they currently sit three games back of the Washington Nationals in the NL East and are safely in first place in the NL Wildcard. After finishing this past homestand 8-2, the Braves have certainly started playing confident baseball again. The pitching is keeping the team in the game, and the bats have been very hot. In fact, Atlanta's 3.12 post All-Star break ERA leads the National League.


This upcoming week, Atlanta first travels to Philadelphia to play three against the Phillies. The Braves' 7-2 record against the Phillies this season has been a welcome sight, considering the Phillies have had our number the past few years. After an off day on Thursday, the Braves square off against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Mets have been struggling after a strong first half, and the Braves hope that continues this weekend. Due to the Phillies, Mets and Miami Marlins' struggles, the division has turned into a two-horse race.


Notes/Transactions: Shortstop Andrelton Simmons still appears weeks away... Pitcher Jair Jurrjens was placed on the 15-day DL on 8/1/12 ... Pitcher Tommy Hanson was placed on the 15-day DL on 7/31/12 ... Pitcher Cory Gearrin returned to the big club on 7/31/12 ... Second baseman Dan Uggla is hitting .286 in August, much better than his .115 July average ... Pitcher Paul Maholm has a 1.72 ERA post all-star game, he's going to help this team a lot


Stat of the Week: Through August 5 last year, outfielder Jason Heyward's had a slash line of .221/.313/.393 with 11 home runs, 29 RBI and five stolen bases. After working hard in the offseason, Heyward's current slash line is .272/.348/.479 with 17 home runs, 53 RBI and 15 stolen bases. He has laid to rest any worry for the future and is showing the baseball community why he was a highly regarded prospect. He has been a rock this season and will be extremely fun to watch in the future.