Many good things have contributed to the amazing start to the season for the Braves. One of the biggest factors is how well many of the depth position player signings and acquisitions have worked out for Atlanta, such as Dominic Smith and Jorge Mateo. But the best of all was the trade for Mauricio Dubon, whose versatility has been extremely valuable for the Braves. Alex Anthopoulos has always made good moves on the margins, and this year is no different.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Braves 2023 season review: Daysbel Hernandez
On July 23rd, 2023, the Atlanta Braves called up relief pitcher Daysbel Hernandez to make his major league debut. Hernandez had been turning heads all season in the minors by striking out hitters at an astonishing rate.
Last season, Hernandez had stops in Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A before putting on an Atlanta Braves jersey. He went 3-0 with a 2.19 ERA and struck out 36 batters in just 24.2 innings of work in the minors. Once he reached the show, his weaknesses were exposed.
He shined in his debut against the Brewers where he struck out the side in an inning of work and issued one free pass. Two days later, he surrendered two earned runs in one inning against the Boston Red Sox.
All in all in the majors, Hernandez worked a total of 3.2 innings across 6 games and posted a 7.36 ERA. The one bright side to his performance was the fact he struck out 6 batters over that span. However, his WHIP was an alarming 2.45.
Daysbel Hernandez battled right forearm inflammation and went to the IL on August 2nd. He was sidelined for a bit and did not return to the MLB roster until the postseason. He did make one appearance in the playoffs where he tossed a scoreless frame.
2023 was a big year for Daysbel Hernandez. By adding MLB experience to his resume, he will now likely return to the minors where he can refine his game and address areas for improvement to get back to the bigs. Hernandez has explosive strikeout stuff but his command seems to be too inconsistent to be effective at the highest level.
Throwing strikes and creating weaker contact should be at the top of Hernandez’ priority list. If those two aspects of his arsenal improves, he could become a vital piece to the Braves bullpen.
Atlanta, GA
Falcons sign Drake London to four-year extension
One of the most inevitable moves of the summer is complete. The Atlanta Falcons have given Drake London a lucrative four year deal worth up to $150 million, locking up their top receiver for the foreseeable future.
It’s a deserved extension for a physical, sure-handed talent who has been consistently excellent in Atlanta despite a constantly rotating cast of quarterbacks. London, who has averaged 1,086 yards over four NFL seasons and has 22 touchdowns over that span, has also emerged as one of the locker room’s most vocal and accountable players.
The 2022 first round pick came into the NFL catching passes from Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder and flourished immediately, with 806 yards and four touchdowns in year one and 905 yards and two touchdowns in year two. When the coaching staff turned over and Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. entered the picture, London exploded for 100 catches, 1,271 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2024, following that up with 919 yards and seven touchdowns in just 12 games a year ago. Through just four seasons, London is already 10th in team history in receiving yards, eighth in receptions, and 13th in touchdowns, and mixes that with solid blocking. He’s been the ideal receiver for the last two iterations of this Falcons offense, and I have no doubt that will continue here.
The contract’s guaranteed money would be tops in the NFL if the $100 million figure is accurate, but by overall money it’s just the third most lucrative contract in the league, and will likely be hovering near the bottom of the top ten in a couple of seasons. The Falcons were never going to risk losing their top receiving option, and if all goes well, London will continue to thrive in Atlanta and set his sights on surpassing some franchise legends in the years to come. I’m glad the deal is done, and we’ll see the exact terms soon enough.
How do you feel about this extension?
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Braves News: Mauricio Dubon, Hurston Waldrep, Week Ahead, More
Andrelton Simmons plies his trade in Mexico
The Athletic caught up with former Braves shortstop – and one of the most gifted defenders at the position in the history of the game – Andrelton Simmons who, at 36, returned to organized baseball in Mexico last season.
Link below.
In a fun “Where are they now” segment, here is an update on Andrelton Simmons.
Atlanta, GA
Woman fatally stabbed on MARTA train near Oakland City Station; riders question transit safety as World Cup nears
A man accused of fatally stabbing a woman aboard a MARTA train is now in custody, as the violent attack raises new concerns about safety across Atlanta’s transit system.
According to police, 52-year-old Margaret Swan was riding a MARTA train near the Oakland City Station on May 30 when she was stabbed to death.
Investigators say officers quickly arrested the suspect, identified as John Elijah Matthews, at the station shortly after the attack.
Swan’s ex-husband, Jerry Swan, said he was devastated when his daughter called to tell him what happened.
“I was happy they caught him, but in my mind the thought was why did he do that to such a nice person,” he said.
Jerry Swan described Margaret as a devoted grandmother who loved spending time with her family.
“She was on her way to keep one of her grandbabies when it happened,” he said.
The deadly stabbing has also left some MARTA riders uneasy about safety on the transit system.
Nahsar Alexander, who says he rides MARTA every day, told CBS News Atlanta the attack is alarming.
“That was an innocent lady,” Alexander said. “If she didn’t do anything, what’s stopping someone from hurting me?”
MARTA officials say nearly 300 officers are assigned throughout the transit system to help keep riders safe. Additional officers were visible Monday at stations, including patrols on motorcycles.
The agency says security measures are also expected to increase ahead of the FIFA World Cup, when Atlanta is expected to see a major influx of visitors.
MARTA says its current security resources include more than 12,000 cameras across rail stations, buses and railcars, along with a Real Time Crime Center monitored during operating hours. Officials also say undercover officers regularly patrol stations, buses and trains.
Ahead of the World Cup, MARTA plans to activate its Emergency Operations Center during matches and fan events, deploy its Mobile Command Vehicle at key locations and partner with outsidxe law enforcement agencies for additional support.
Officials say additional train patrols and crowd control teams will also be used throughout the system.
Some riders say the increased police presence is reassuring, but concerns remain.
“Yes, but even with more police officers crime is still going to happen,” Alexander said.
Matthews is facing a murder charge.
MARTA says all staff not directly involved in operations or policing will also serve as Transit Ambassadors during the World Cup to assist riders and monitor activity across the system.
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