Chuck Roughed Up, Riley Joins Chipper
Charlie Morton’s game log looks like the Braves game log from 2021 when they were flirting with over .500 for what seems like forever. In his last five games (including last night), he’s surrendered: 5 earned runs, 0 earned runs, 4 earned runs, 0 earned runs, 5 earned runs.
Last night specifically, his line ended at: 6 innings pitched, 6 hits, 5 runs, 5 earned runs, 1 base innings balls, 7 strikeouts, & 3 homeruns.
He’s had games that suggest he’s still got it, like his last outing where he held Philadelphia scoreless through 6.2, only to have Collin McHugh get tagged for three runs in the eighth.
But just as I’ve said since Charlie was acquired, he was brought to Atlanta to win postseason games.
We’ve obviously not played any postseason games this year, but I have to believe not having any starting pitching depth at all is the only reason Charlie hasn’t hit the IL for a breather.
Riley Joins Chipper
Austin Riley launched his 30th homerun of 2022. With that, he’s now the first Braves third baseman to have back-to-back seasons with at least 30 homeruns since Chipper Jones (1998-2001).
As long as he keeps losing baseballs, his MVP campaign will continue to be that of a frontrunner.
It’s not inconceivable to think that MVP voters would lean toward Paul Goldschmidt should the season end today. Simply because Goldy’s St. Louis Cardinals are on fire right now after sweeping the Yankees to overtake 1st Place in the. Stop Al League Central. To completely lock up the MVP Award, Riley can stay hot & help power the Braves past the New York Mets to an improbable fifth consecutive NL East title.