That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies welcome the Atlanta Braves: 5 things to watch for

By George Stockburger

BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 16: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits an RBI double during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 16: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits an RBI double during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
ATLANTA, GA. – MAY 19: Luiz Gohara #53 of the Atlanta Braves puts a bear hug on Ozzie Albies #1 before game against the Miami Marlins at SunTrust Field on May 19, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA. – MAY 19: Luiz Gohara #53 of the Atlanta Braves puts a bear hug on Ozzie Albies #1 before game against the Miami Marlins at SunTrust Field on May 19, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Braves young stars

Atlanta’s farm system has been rated as one of the best in baseball, and their young prospects are turning into stars. Ronald Acuna was rated as Baseball Pipeline’s top overall prospect, and while the .264 batting average isn’t fantastic, the 24 hits in 23 games is. Acuna paired with Ozzie Albies has the league shaking with Albies leading the National League in runs scored, total bases, and home runs.

Pitching is also a strong point for the Braves young stars with Sean Newcomb holding a 5-1 record with a 2.39 ERA in nine starts. Luis Gohara, who is scheduled to start in the series, has a 1.29 ERA in three relief appearances.

Somewhat forgotten in the crop of young players is Dansby Swanson, who was also rated at one time the top prospect in baseball. Now in his third season with Atlanta Swanson is hitting .281 in 30 games and playing fantastic defense at shortstop.

Home/Phillies News