BRIAN SNITKER

Phillies star Bryce Harper is scheduled to get a platelet-rich plasma injection to help with a small tear in his right elbow, causing him to miss the series finale at Dodger Stadium.

Marcell Ozuna homered and Austin Riley hit a tiebreaking double during a four-run rally in the eighth inning that lifted the Atlanta Braves to a 6-5 victory over the San Diego Padres.

He's back.

LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Freddie Freeman arrived at Dodger Stadium and headed to the visiting clubhouse for an emotional reunion with his former Atlanta Braves teammates. Two players who had spent their entire careers with one team found themselves on opposite sides Monday night in the opener of a three-game series between the defending World Series champion Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jansen left the Dodgers the same month for a $16 million, one-year deal to be the Braves' closer. Freeman dropped in Braves manager Brian Snitker's office for a chat and made his way around the clubhouse sharing memories of last year's World Series victory, the franchise's first since 1995. Freeman told a Braves employee wearing a World Series ring he didn't want to look at it.

Freddie Freeman arrived at Dodger Stadium and headed to the visiting clubhouse for an emotional reunion with his former Atlanta Braves teammates.

SAN DIEGO — (AP) — Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday as he nears a return from the torn right ACL that ended his 2021 season. Atlanta said prior to a game Sunday night at San Diego that Acuña would join Gwinnett at Jacksonville for a series beginning Tuesday. He was hitting .283 with 24 homers and a .990 OPS in 82 games at the time of the injury. He was left as a spectator for Atlanta's World Series title run. Acuña opened this season on the 10-day injured list and has been working out at the club's spring training facility in North Port, Florida.

Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday as he nears a return from the torn right ACL that ended his 2021 season.

Charlie Morton allowed only two hits while pitching into the sixth inning while returning from a broken leg, Travis d’Arnaud drove in three runs and the Atlanta Braves held off the Cincinnati Reds 7-6.

Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna smiles with his son Ronald Acuna Jr. at baseball spring training in North Port, Fla., Thursday, March 17, 2022. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) (Curtis Compton)FORT MYERS, Fla. — (AP) — Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. won’t see game action in spring training, even as a designated hitter, as it becomes increasingly likely he will miss at least the first month of the regular season. You won’t see him in a spring game,” manager Brian Snitker said after Atlanta’s 4-0 win over Minnesota on Tuesday. Acuña, recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee suffered midway through last season, expressed hope at the start of spring training that he would be ready for the defending World Series champion Braves’ opener on April 7. Though he was firm in his plan for Acuña, Snitker said the outfielder continues to make progress in his recovery.

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker said Monday he's considering all options, including a six-man rotation or an opener, as he looks for answers in his starting rotation. The Braves, who open the season on April 7 at home against Cincinnati, are scheduled to play 14 consecutive days before their first off day. Snitker said he may add a sixth starter during that stretch.

The reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves opened spring training Sunday with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Charlie Morton, but no Freddie Freeman.

The Atlanta Braves have locked up manager Brian Snitker for three more seasons after he guided the team to its first World Series title since 1995.

Gabe Kapler has won the National League’s Manager of the Year award after guiding San Francisco to a franchise-best 107 victories in his second season with the Giants.

The World Series champion Atlanta Braves have added depth at catcher by signing Manny Piña to a two-year, $8 million contract.

Alex Anthopoulos and his family settled on unusual ways to be festive after the Braves' general manager was forced to quarantine at home with COVID-19 as his team ended Atlanta’s 26-year championship drought in the big four major sports.

Braves Parade Baseball Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker celebrates the team's victory during a victory parade, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Atlanta. The Braves beat the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6 on Tuesday to win their first World Series baseball title in 26 years. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Atlanta Braves were cheered by hundreds of thousands of fans in a two-stage parade on Friday celebrating the team's first World Series championship since 1995. The Braves clinched the World Series by beating the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6 on Tuesday night. Pederson also won the World Series last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he said this was his first parade.

The Atlanta Braves were cheered by hundreds of thousands of fans in a two-stage parade celebrating the team’s first World Series championship since 1995.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker and first baseman Freddie Freeman celebrate after winning baseball's World Series in Game 6 against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. Has Freddie Freeman, the face of the franchise for the past decade, played his last game in an Atlanta uniform? Freeman was among 160 players who became a free agent Wednesday, along with World Series MVP Jorge Soler and NL Championship Series MVP Eddie Rosario. If Freeman re-signs, the Braves should be the favorites for a fifth straight NL East title and one of the top contenders for another Series championship. Acuña, of course, as well as Morton, a 14-game winner who broke his leg in Game 1 of the World Series.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker and first baseman Freddie Freeman celebrate after winning baseball's World Series in Game 6 against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. Has Freddie Freeman, the face of the franchise for the past decade, played his last game in an Atlanta uniform? the Braves should be the favorites for a fifth straight NL East title and one of the top contenders for another Series championship. Acuña, of course, as well as Morton, a 14-game winner who sustained a broken leg in Game 1 of the World Series. NL RBI leader Adam Duvall and pearl-wearing Joc Pederson both have mutual contract options for next season, while NL Championship series MVP Eddie Rosario and World Series MVP Jorge Soler are set to become free agents.

Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman’s future is the most pressing offseason issue facing the Braves, who beat the Houston Astros to cap an improbable run to their first World Series title since 1995.

Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos tested positive for COVID-19 and wasn’t with the team when it clinched the World Series championship.

World Series Baseball The Atlanta Braves celebrate after winning baseball's World Series in Game 6 against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. Yet out of nowhere, suddenly, these Atlanta Braves transformed themselves and took off. Jorge Soler, Freddie Freeman and the Braves breezed to their first World Series championship since 1995, hammering the Houston Astros 7-0 on Tuesday night in Game 6. Not a broken leg sustained by starter Charlie Morton in the World Series opener. Favored in spring training to win their fourth straight NL East title, the Braves lost Acuña to a torn knee in July.

The Braves hammered the Houston Astros 7-0 Tuesday night.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker, center, poses with his son Houston Astros hitting coach Troy Snitker and home plate umpire Alfonso Marquez before Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. Now, he's matched his mentor in chasing down the game's greatest prize, joining Cox as the only Atlanta Braves managers to win the World Series. After a long career as player, instructor, coach and manager in the Braves’ organization, the 66-year-old Snitker has earned his place in team history. “I’ve been like that pretty much my whole career,” Snitker said. “Just he’s been through so much in his career,” Troy Snitker said.

Brian Snitker has joined mentor Bobby Cox as the only Atlanta Braves managers to win the World Series.

The Atlanta Braves have won their first World Series championship since 1995, hammering the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6.

Late innings means late nights in the World Series, with many fans struggling to stay awake as the Braves and Astros play baseball’s most important games of the year.

World Series Baseball Braves starter Max Fried sits dejected in the dugout during the 6th inning of a 7-2 loss to the Astros in game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, in Houston. So many pitching changes by the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves, it’s sometimes hard to keep track of who’s on the mound. “Everybody that’s in the World Series right now is gassed, everybody,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said during Monday’s day off. With five full days of rest, the 27-year-old lefty will start Game 6 on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park as Atlanta again tries to win its first championship since 1995. Fried would prefer to end things himself and give the Braves a whole winter to rest up as champs.

The Atlanta Braves lead the World Series three games to two and will try to win the championship Tuesday night when Max Fried starts against the Astros in Houston.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Marwin Gonzalez hits a 2-RBI double during the fifth inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. The utility infielder spent 2012-18 with the Astros, helping them make the turnaround from baseball’s worst team to World Series champs. “He got the biggest hit of the night to me, up to that point, at least, to get us back in the game,” Baker. But this year, both World Series teams travelled on the rest day. “I like the flow when I experienced the pitch clock, but I don’t know that’s going to solve — I mean, that’s not the only thing that’s going to solve the problem."

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker appreciates his star players.

Carlos Correa and the Houston Astros broke out the bats just in time to extend this World Series.

If A.

Game 5 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves might have represented a historic moment for Major League Baseball.

Atlanta's Dylan Lee became the first pitcher to make his first big league start in the World Series.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson throws during the first inning in Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)ATLANTA — (AP) — Ian Anderson was dominant enough to no-hit Houston for five innings. Atlanta entered the Series expecting to have one bullpen game. Morton had been scheduled to start Game 5. Instead it will be another bullpen game as Morton had surgery on the leg and won't return for the World Series.

Despite a troublingly short-handed pitching staff that could use as much length as possible from its starters, Atlanta manager Brian Snitker pulled starter Ian Anderson with a 1-0 lead over Houston and a no-hitter through five innings of World Series Game 3.

Rookie starter Ian Anderson and the Braves' bullpen took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, Austin Riley and Travis d’Arnaud drove in runs and Atlanta beat the Houston Astros 2-0 to grab a two games to one lead in the World Series.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson throws during the first inning in Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)ATLANTA — (AP) — Pinch-hitter Aledmys Díaz has blooped a leadoff single to begin the eighth inning for Houston's first hit against the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the World Series. There has been just one no-hitter in World Series history, a perfect game by Don Larsen of the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956. There were a record nine no-hitters in the regular season, passing a mark set when pitchers began throwing overhand in 1884. The previous no-hit bid to reach the eighth inning in the World Series was by Jim Lonborg for Boston against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 2 in 1967.

Pinch-hitter Aledmys Díaz has blooped a leadoff single to begin the eighth inning for Houston’s first hit against the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the World Series.

Game 3 of the World Series will be a bit of a throwback to the days before interleague play and players frequently changing teams.

Beloved baseball lifer Ron Washington is finally getting another shot at a World Series title.

Atlanta Braves lefty Max Fried had a stretch in his first World Series start when he looked like the ace he has been most of the season.

Tucker Davidson was in the lobby of a Courtyard Marriott near the Gwinnett Stripers’ ballpark in Georgia, eating a salad from The Cheesecake Factory and watching the Atlanta Braves play their World Series opener, talking with a Triple-A strength coach and another minor league staffer.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton is helped off the field during the third inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)HOUSTON — (AP) — Charlie Morton spun a curveball past Jose Altuve for a called third strike, his 16th pitch after taking a 102 mph comebacker off his right leg. By the time Morton faced Altuve leading off the third with a 5-0 lead, the leg had started to swell. Morton’s World Series was over soon after it started. Morton pitched the final four innings and got the win for Houston in its Game 7 victory at the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 World Series.

Making his first start since testing positive for COVID-19, Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves, despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg, hushed the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 1.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Charlie Morton is done for the World Series after leaving with a broken right calf bone in the third inning of the opener.

The Atlanta Braves are in the World Series in no small part thanks to the trades general manager Alex Anthopoulos made during the season.

Eddie Rosario capped a remarkable NL Championship Series with a three-run homer that sent the Atlanta Braves to the World Series for the first time since 1999.

When Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves meet Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros, it will be a World Series that's been six decades in the making.

ALCS Astros Red Sox Baseball Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi throws against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning in Game 4 of baseball's American League Championship Series Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson) (Winslow Townson)A look at what's happening around the majors today:___BACK ON THE HILLAstros rookie Luis García will start against the Red Sox in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series with a trip to the World Series on the line. Pujols is a two-time World Series champion with St. Louis and a career .323 hitter in 85 postseason games. The Red Sox tallied 21 runs on 22 hits over Games 2 and 3, including seven homers. Soler, who is vaccinated, was pulled from the lineup for Game 4 of the NL Division Series against Milwaukee last week.

Astros rookie Luis García will start against the Red Sox in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series with a trip to the World Series on the line.

Astros rookie Luis García will start against the Red Sox in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series with a trip to the World Series on the line.

NLDS Braves Brewers Baseball Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler doubles against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Divisional Series Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — The Atlanta Braves welcomed back outfielder Jorge Soler for Game 5 of the NL Championship Series on Thursday after he was activated following his positive COVID-19 test. Soler hit a combined .223 with 27 homers and 70 RBIs with Kansas City and the Braves during the regular season. “He's been working out on his own, so I think he's good to go.”If Dodgers extend the series, Game 6 is Saturday in Atlanta. Soler, who is vaccinated, was pulled from the lineup for Game 4 of the NL Division Series against Milwaukee last week.

The Atlanta Braves welcomed back outfielder Jorge Soler for Game 5 of the NL Championship Series after he was activated following his positive COVID-19 test.

In the only playoff game of the night Thursday, the Atlanta Braves can win their first pennant in 22 years with a victory in Game 5 of the NL Championship Series at Dodger Stadium.

The 25-year-old lefty excelled as a starter and reliever in the postseason last year, helping the Dodgers win their first World Series championship since 1988. On Tuesday night, the Boston Red Sox used Nathan Eovaldi in relief for the first time since 2019. SWATTING STARTERSKyle Schwarber, Xander Bogaerts and the slugging Red Sox are making short work of opposing starting pitchers this postseason. Tampa Bay's Shane McClanahan did the best against the Red Sox, going five innings in the opener of the AL Division Series. Chris Sale starts for the Red Sox after allowing one run over 2 2/3 innings in Game 1.

In a postseason already marked by curious pitching strategy, Julio Urías returns to his regular role in the rotation when the Los Angeles Dodgers play Atlanta in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series.

NLCS Braves Dodgers Baseball Atlanta Braves pitcher Luke Jackson takes a moment before pitching in the eight inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of baseball's National League Championship Series Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Braves realize even the best-laid plans and the best-located pitches can go wrong in the postseason, particularly when you're facing the Los Angeles Dodgers. Once again, the Braves missed their chance to put their big-budget opponents into the deepest of series holes. And this heartbreaker probably stung the Braves a whole lot more than last year’s 15-3 loss in Game 3. The Dodgers then got six more hits off Jackson and Chavez in the eighth.

For the second straight season, the Atlanta Braves had a 2-0 lead on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.

The Dodgers are ready to start ace Max Scherzer in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta, a day after manager Dave Roberts scratched the veteran right-hander to get him an extra day of rest.

NLDS Dodgers Giants Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Max Scherzer celebrates after the Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants in Game 5 of a baseball National League Division Series Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in San Francisco. “That is Scherzer being Scherzer,” teammate Cody Bellinger said. Scherzer is expected to face Braves left-hander Max Fried in Game 1 on Saturday night in an NLCS rematch. The Dodgers beat the Braves in seven games in last year's NLCS before winning the World Series. “He’s going to come back, I bet, tomorrow, and pitch against us and he’s going to be Max Scherzer,” Freeman said.

Dodgers ace right-hander Max Scherzer is the planned starter for the opening game of the NL Championship Series against the Braves.

For the second time in four seasons, the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros are set to play for the American League pennant.

ALCS Red Sox Astros Baseball Grounds crew personnel apply the final touches to a postseason field logo at Minute Maid Park before baseball practice in Houston, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. The Houston Astros host the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Friday. That came one year after the Astros downed the Red Sox 3-1 in a Division Series en route to their only World Series crown. Boston manager Alex Cora was the bench coach for that championship Houston club before guiding the Red Sox to their 2018 title. Cora was then rehired by the Red Sox in November.

NLDS Braves Brewers Baseball Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler doubles against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Divisional Series Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Atlanta Braves are preparing to play without outfielder Jorge Soler in the NL Championship Series as they await his clearance following his positive COVID-19 test. The Braves worked out Thursday at Truist Park without Soler, who was pulled from the lineup for Game 4 of the NL Division Series against Milwaukee on Tuesday. Playing with the adjusted lineup, the Braves beat the Brewers 5-4 to clinch the best-of-five division series. Braves manager Brian Snitker would like to have Soler's power bat on his roster for the Championship Series.

NLDS Braves Brewers Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton reacts after leaving the game against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning in Game 1 of baseball's National League Divisional Series Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Milwaukee. Morton, one of baseball's best clutch pitchers, hoped to give the Braves a clinching victory in the best-of-five series. “He’s great with it,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said before the game. Morton worked into the seventh inning on Friday, throwing 85 pitches in a 2-1 loss to the Brewers in Game 1. If the Brewers won Game 4, the deciding game would be held Thursday in Milwaukee.

Charlie Morton will start on three days’ rest for the Atlanta Braves in Game 4 of the NL Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Boosted by a sharp start from Ian Anderson, Braves pitchers have now thrown 19 straight scoreless innings against Milwaukee in the NL Division Series.

The Milwaukee Brewers have picked the worst time of year to go ice cold at the plate.

NLDS Brewers Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Joc Pederson (22) celebrates his three-run homer in the dugout against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning of Game 3 of a baseball National League Division Series, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Atlanta. Pederson singled as a pinch-hitter in his only other at-bat in this series, and has driven in four of Atlanta's seven runs. Since winning the opening game of the series, the NL Central champion Brewers have not scored in 19 consecutive innings. Milwaukee starter Freddy Peralta pitched four scoreless innings and was pulled for a pinch-hitter when the Brewers threatened in the fifth. The Brewers hit only .183 in the first two games of the series, including a 3-0 loss in Game 2.

Joc Pederson enhanced his “Joctober” nickname with a three-run, pinch-hit homer and the Atlanta Braves shut down Milwaukee once again, beating the Brewers 3-0.

The Milwaukee Brewers will start Freddy Peralta against Atlanta Braves right-hander Ian Anderson in Game 3 of the NL Division Series.

NLDS Braves Brewers Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried throws against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Divisional Series Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Max Fried pitched six sharp innings and Atlanta’s bullpen held on after manager Brian Snitker’s quick hook, sending the Braves over the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 Saturday to tie their NL Division Series at a game apiece. Austin Riley homered and Ozzie Albies hit an RBI double for the Braves, who bounced back after losing 2-1 in Game 1. Counting Saturday’s performance, Fried has allowed just one earned run over 29 innings in his last four starts. This was the second straight exceptional outing by a Braves starter in a series that has been dominated by pitching.

Max Fried pitched six sharp innings and Atlanta’s bullpen held on after manager Brian Snitker’s quick hook, sending the Braves over the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 to tie their NL Division Series at a game apiece.

Kevin Gausman heard the boos when he stepped into the batter’s box, realizing right away the fans had no idea the Giants were down to their last options with no position players left. “Oh man, that was the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my entire career,” Gausman said. The Giants, saved when Donovan Solano came off the COVID-19 injured list and connected for a tying, pinch-hit home run with two outs in the ninth, moved two games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division race.

Braves Dodgers Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ozzie Albies is carried off the field after an injury during the fifth inning of the team's baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves fouled a ball off his left knee in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers and had to be carried off the field Tuesday night. Albies was facing an 0-2 count against Walker Buehler when he suddenly went down, clutching his knee. Manager Brian Snitker and a trainer came out to check on Albies, who stayed on the ground. Albies was carried back to the dugout when it became apparent he couldn’t put any weight on his leg.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (Lynne Sladky)MIAMI — (AP) — The Atlanta Braves will have to adjust to playing without All-Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. for the remainder of the season. The 23-year-old Acuña tore the ACL in his right knee in the fifth inning of Atlanta’s 5-3 victory over the Miami Marlins on Saturday night. Snitker said the Braves will not use of the loss of Acuña as an excuse in the second half of the season. He slammed into the outfield wall and crumbled on the warning track, immediately grabbing his right knee while Chisholm sprinted for an inside-the-park homer. When the cart pulled around to the nearby warning track, he had to be helped over and did not put any weight on his right leg.

Marlins Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr., center, looks toward the pitcher's mound at Miami Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez (not shown) after being hit by the first pitch thrown by Lopez in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 2, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (Ben Margot)ATLANTA — (AP) — Marlins starter Pablo López insisted he wasn't trying to plunk Ronald Acuña Jr. López was ejected after hitting Ronald Acuña Jr. with his very first pitch, leading to the only run as the Atlanta Braves edged Miami 1-0 Friday night. Miami pitcher José Ureña was tossed after nailing him with his first pitch in 2018 and López didn't last any longer. Acuña said he wasn't sure if the Marlins were trying to hit him again or not.

Marlins Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr., center, looks toward the pitcher's mound at Miami Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez (not shown) after being hit by the first pitch thrown by Lopez in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 2, 2021, in Atlanta. Braves manager Brian Snitker, left, and Marlins' catcher Jorge Alfaro, right, look on. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (Ben Margot)ATLANTA — (AP) — Marlins starter Pablo López was ejected after plunking Ronald Acuña Jr. with his first pitch, leading to the only run as the Atlanta Braves edged Miami 1-0 Friday night. Miami pitcher José Ureña was tossed after nailing with his first pitch in 2018 and López didn't last any longer. López was ejected for hitting Acuña in the back of the left arm and manager Don Mattingly soon was ejected, too, for arguing on his pitcher’s behalf.

We’ll see how he is tomorrow.”Acuña ranks among the major league leaders in several key offensive categories. The 2018 NL Rookie of the Year was leading the league in runs (58) and was tied for first in stolen bases (15). The Astros sent the younger Cameron to Detroit at the 2017 trade deadline in a package for ace Justin Verlander. Felipe Alou’s 17 solo homers to start the season in 1966 remain the major league record. Civale is tied for the major league lead in wins, going 10-2 with a 3.32 ERA in 15 starts.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (Kathy Willens)ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — The search is on by major league umpires for sticky stuff that pitchers might use to doctor baseballs. Jacob deGrom was the first pitcher inspected under the new directive in the opener of the New York Mets’ doubleheader against Atlanta. Kulpa looked them over and handed them back, then asked deGrom to undo his belt buckle and checked for goop there, too. Cleared by Kulpa, deGrom walked on to the dugout, laughing with catcher Tomás Nido about the exchange as the fans cheered. Braves starter Kyle Muller, who was making his first big league start, was similarly stopped and inspected after the bottom of the first.

Atlanta's Huascar Ynoa, who gained fame earlier this season for his slugging, will be out a couple months with fractured bone in his pitching hand.

Phillies Braves Baseball Philadelphia Phillies' J.T. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (Ben Margot)ATLANTA — (AP) — Ehire Adrianza capped a night full of comebacks for Atlanta with a game-ending RBI single in the 12th inning, helping the Braves stun the Philadelphia Phillies for a chaotic 8-7 victory Saturday. Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper didn't bother to field Adrianza's bloop single as Braves players poured out of the dugout to begin their on-field celebration. I think the ball hit the end of the bat and pinched his finger a little. UP NEXTBraves RHP Huascar Ynoa and Phillies RHP Aaron Nola, each looking for his fourth win, are the scheduled starters when the weekend series concludes on Sunday night.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 14: Medical staff takes Charlie Culberson #8 of the Atlanta Braves off the field after getting hit by a ball in the seventh inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sept.(CNN) - Atlanta Braves outfielder Charlie Culberson was taken to the hospital after being hit in the face by a 90 mph fastball on Saturday night. Braves Manager Brian Snitker said the 30-year-old was "alert" and "aware" in the hospital. In Saturday's game against the Washington Nationals, Culberson came up to bat as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning with two men on and the game tied 1-1. On the first pitch, Culberson squared up to bunt and Fernando Rodney threw a fastball that nailed Culberson in the right cheek. Afterward, the Braves scored four more runs in the seventh inning and won the game 10-1, clinching a postseason berth.