After defeating the Phillies
on Wednesday, the Braves won their 21st game of June. The victory ties an Atlanta-era
franchise record for the most wins in a calendar month and could break the
record on Thursday. Plus, we have an update on Freddie Freeman.
Braves win 21 games in June, tie franchise record
For only the fourth time in their history, the Braves have won 21 games in a single calendar month. This marks the first time they've done so since 2001, tying the Atlanta-era franchise record, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The Braves defeated the Phillies 4-1 on Wednesday. Winning pitcher Kyle Wright, whom the Braves picked in the first round of the 2017 draft, threw four strikeouts and allowed three hits and one run, as his record improves to 9-4 with a 3.03 ERA.
The Braves look to sweep the series on Thursday when they face off in Philadelphia at 6:05 EDT in Citizens Bank Park. A win for the Braves will break the franchise record for most wins in a month.
Even though the Braves currently sit in the second slot in the NL East with a 44-32 record, they are on a strong win streak. The team is only three games behind division leaders the New York Mets, who are 47-29 and are cooling with a three-game losing streak.
Still, it's only June and there's a lot of season left. Second place is a fine spot in the standings.
Freddie Freeman fires agents
Many in the business of major league baseball were shocked when Freddie Freeman, 32, left the Atlanta Braves. Given their long history together, it was a shock when eventually landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers,
Now it has come to light that Freeman's agent withheld specifics about contract negotiations with the Braves during his free agency, Fox Atlanta reported.
Freeman has reportedly fired the agency that represented him during his off-season negotiations, ESPN reports. The agency involved was Excel Sports Management, according to multiple sources. The lead agent was Casey Close, who handled the talks between the Braves and the Dodgers.
The Braves made a $135 million, five-year offer, then bumped the offer to $140 million. Reportedly, Freeman was never informed about the Braves' final offer. Freeman then signed with the Dodgers for a 6-year deal worth $162 million, with $57 million in deferred salary. Considering the deferrals and California State taxes, that offer could actually be less than the total value of the Braves' offer.
Several sports media outlets speculated that Freeman seemed to be unhappy being on the Dodgers team. This was based largely on a statement by Freeman to MLB.com: "Last weekend in Atlanta was a very emotional time for me and my family. I am working through some issues with my longtime agents at Excel. My representation remains a fluid situation and I will update if needed."