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New York Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Braves build momentum behind Ronald Acuña Jr. as suspended Jurickson Profar nears return
ATLANTA — Jurickson Profar, the Atlanta Braves' only significant free-agent addition last winter, still hasn't played a home game for the team, because he was slapped with an 80-game performance-enhancing drug suspension during their season-opening trip. So, it'll be interesting to see and hear the reaction at Truist Park when the left fielder makes his return and his home debut, which is expected to be July 2 in the second game of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. Advertisement The Braves, who beat the Colorado Rockies 12-4 in a series opener Friday night, hope Profar will be able to provide a boost from the left-field position. It's been one of the weakest spots for an Atlanta offense that's been mediocre to awful in far too many games but has shown recent signs of a power resurgence. They trailed for much of Friday night before a pair of three-run homers from Michael Harris II in the sixth inning and Marcell Ozuna in the seventh turned a 4-1 deficit into a lead that gave an embattled Atlanta bullpen some cushion with which to work, then they added five more runs in eighth for good measure against the sloppy Rockies. Ronald Acuña Jr., who's been brilliant since returning last month from a yearlong recovery from ACL surgery on his left knee, had his third consecutive three-hit game, including a first-inning leadoff double before scoring the Braves' only run before the Harris and Ozuna homers. It was the third win in four games for the Braves since a 3-14 skid that included six consecutive series losses. 'I feel like it was just a little weird stretch,' said Harris, who has three homers in the past six games, following a career-high 42-game homerless drought in which he had a meager .612 OPS. 'We know what kind of team we are. I feel the way we were tonight, it's who we should be. And we didn't have that over that stretch. 'I'm just looking forward to trying to be that team from here on out.' 💸 MONEY MIKE 💸#LocalFordDealer | — Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 14, 2025 The Braves entered Friday in fourth place in the NL East, 15 games out of first in the division and with the fourth-worst record in the NL. They were ninth in the wild-card standings, nine games out of the final spot if the postseason would've started Friday. They hoped this win, after two homer-fueled wins at the Milwaukee Brewers, was a harbinger. Advertisement 'I mean, it's tough to get through those,' manager Brian Snitker said of the 3-14 stretch. 'But we just keep grinding away. Like I say, hopefully, it's always something that can springboard and get you going. 'These are big games, all of them. As we know, we've (made up deficits on teams) before. Not this far back, but you know what, it's possible to chase guys down after the All-Star break. But I think for our psyche and everything, these are all big games for us.' The Braves snapped their series losing streak by winning two of three at Milwaukee in a series that featured two homers and seven hits from Acuña, who has sizzled with a .375 average, six homers and a 1.125 OPS in 19 games since coming off the injured list. His three consecutive three-hit games match the longest such streak of his career, which he did in his MVP season in 2023. 'Energy,' Harris said of Acuña's biggest contribution. 'He's an MVP, so you know the talent is there. Just brings a lot of energy up at that (leadoff) spot, getting on base and being able to be on base to cause havoc for pitchers.' Acuña led the NL with 1.3 fWAR since his May 23 debut before Friday, when he had hits in each of his first three plate appearances. He stole second base in the fifth inning when he was running on a 3-2 count with Alex Verdugo hitting to avoid a potential double play. It goes down as the first stolen base and attempt this season for Acuña, who walked and scored again in a five-run eighth inning when the Braves turned the game into a rout. Acuña led the majors with 73 stolen bases in 2023, when he had 41 homers — the first and only 40-70 season in history — while hitting .337 with a 1.012 OPS. He was a unanimous choice as NL MVP. Snitker said before Friday's game that team officials talked to Acuña about stealing bases after coming back from surgery, and he agreed he would ease into it when he felt ready. He doesn't have a red light, but Acuña was advised to be selective as to when and where to run full bore, which he's done. Advertisement The ACL surgery was the second for Acuña, who tore the one in his other knee in 2021. 'But you see you get down the line when he has to, and the speed's still there,' Snitker said. 'I think it's just, the kid's been through a lot for having (surgery) twice. You know, at some point I'm sure he's gonna let that thing eat. But I think it's good for him to kind of (ease back into sprinting all out). I feel like he's been really smart in doing that.' The Braves had envisioned a strong outfield with the cannon-armed Acuña in right, defensively spectacular Harris in center and Profar in left, and in less than three weeks they could finally have that group together for the first time. 'Obviously, in spring training, we were excited to have that trio,' Harris said. 'But we're still happy to have whoever's on this team to produce. When we get him back, that'll be exciting. But still got to worry about who we have now.' Profar's eligible return date would've been June 29 if not for rainouts that pushed that back. If there's another game postponed between now and July 2, his return would be pushed back another day. Snitker said Profar is at the Braves' spring training site in North Port, Fla., taking live batting practice as Acuña did before Acuña began his minor-league rehab assignment last month. Profar can begin playing minor-league games Tuesday and will gradually work up to playing nine innings in the field. Profar, 32, signed a three-year, $42 million contract in January, and was penciled in as the Braves' left fielder. But he played just one series — four games at the San Diego Padres against his former team — before being suspended March 31, before a series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the second series on that winless seven-game trip. Left field has been a figurative black hole for the Braves, with four players combining to produce a .213 average with just two home runs, a .281 slugging percentage that ranks 29th in the majors at the position and a .547 OPS that's 28th. Advertisement Profar had career bests in average (.280), OBP (.380) and slugging percentage (.459) in 2024 for San Diego. He also had a career-high 24 homers and a 133 OPS+ that was 18 points above his previous best and 35 points above his career 98 OPS+ over 12 seasons. He was to have been paid $12 million this season and $15 million each of the next two, but the suspension was without pay, meaning Profar forfeited nearly $6 million. He tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin, a fertility drug that's often taken after steroids. It's the drug that Manny Ramirez was suspended 50 games for using in 2009. When they signed Profar, the Braves attributed his power and overall offensive gains made in his career-best season in 2024 to adjustments he made with his lower body in his batting stance, after working out with former Padres teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. and Tatis' father during the winter before the 2024 season. There will be plenty of scrutiny when Profar returns, given the PED suspension and interest in how he performs after testing positive and missing half a season. Profar won't be eligible for the postseason if the Braves make it. He will resume left-field duties that have been handled by several players in his absence including Bryan De La Cruz, since waived and signed by the New York Yankees; Verdugo, who signed with Atlanta in the final week of spring training; and Eli White, a journeyman who hit .295 with 11 extra-base hits and an .814 OPS in a 25-game stretch through May 20 but was 3-for-37 with one extra-base hit in his past 15 games before Friday. (Photo of Ronald Acuña Jr.: Jordan Godfree / Imagn Images)
Washington Post
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Harris, Acuña and Ozuna provide boost to lineup and give Braves hope they can still save season
ATLANTA — With Michael Harris II finding his power stroke, Ronald Acuña Jr. hitting .375 after missing almost a full season and Marcel Ozuna fighting his way through a hip issue, the Atlanta Braves are hoping their offensive recovery has not come too late. Harris has hit homers in back-to-back games for the Braves, who have won three of their last four games at a crucial stretch of the season.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Harris, Acuña and Ozuna provide boost to lineup and give Braves hope they can still save season
Atlanta Braves' Michael Harris II (23) celebrates his three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Atlanta Braves' Michael Harris II (23) hits a three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) celebrates his three-run homer against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) celebrates his three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) and Marcell Ozuna celebrate victory over the Colorado Rockies after a baseball game, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) and Marcell Ozuna celebrate victory over the Colorado Rockies after a baseball game, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Atlanta Braves' Michael Harris II (23) celebrates his three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Atlanta Braves' Michael Harris II (23) hits a three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) celebrates his three-run homer against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) celebrates his three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) and Marcell Ozuna celebrate victory over the Colorado Rockies after a baseball game, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) ATLANTA (AP) — With Michael Harris II finding his power stroke, Ronald Acuña Jr. hitting .375 after missing almost a full season and Marcel Ozuna fighting his way through a hip issue, the Atlanta Braves are hoping their offensive recovery has not come too late. Harris has hit homers in back-to-back games for the Braves, who have won three of their last four games at a crucial stretch of the season. Advertisement Harris hit a three-run homer to tie the game and Ozuna added another three-run shot to give the Braves the lead in their 12-4 win over Colorado on Friday night. It was Ozuna's 11th homer, despite the sore hip. The Braves trailed 4-1 before recovering to beat the lowly Rockies after winning two of three games at Milwaukee — their first series win since May 16-18. The Braves (30-38) still have much ground to make up in the NL East. Scoring six or more runs in each of their most recent three wins has given manager Brian Snitker renewed reason for optimism. The Braves, who won the 2021 World Series, need a dramatic recovery to extend their streak of seven consecutive postseason appearances. Advertisement 'These are big games, all of them,' Snitker said after Friday night's win before acknowledging it won't be easy to save the season after falling 10 games below .500, most recently at 28-38. The Braves are 14 games behind the first-place New York Mets and tied for third in the East with Washington. 'As we know, we've done it before (but) not this far back,' Snitker said. Acuña doubled on the first pitch from Germán Márquez and scored on Olson's sacrifice fly. Acuña added singles in the third and fifth innings for his third consecutive three-hit game. When asked what Acuña brings to the lineup, Harris said 'Energy. He's an MVP. You know the talent is there. He brings a lot of energy at the (leadoff) spot.' Advertisement Acuña stole second base in the fifth on his first attempt since returning on May 23 after missing almost a full season following surgery on his left knee. 'I was wondering if he was on a restriction,' said Harris of Acuña's wait for his first steal. 'Obviously, the speed is still there.' It was Acuña's first stolen base since May 25, 2024 at Pittsburgh, a span of 385 days. It was an encouraging sign of confidence in the surgically repaired knee for Acuña, who was NL MVP in 2023 when he hit 41 homers and had 73 steals. 'He's hit the ground running since he's been back, that's for sure,' Snitker said. 'His at-bats have been not like he missed the significant amount of time he missed.' Advertisement Harris, hitting only .238, has driven in 41 runs. He has hit three of his six homers in the last six games. 'Obviously, I want my average to be up a good amount, but I feel I've been able to get some key RBIs through the season,' Harris said. The Braves have been below .500 most of the season and their recent stretch of six straight series losses led to speculation they might be sellers instead of buyers at the trade deadline. 'I don't think we really think about that much,' Harris said. '... It's just worrying about who's here now.' ___ AP MLB:
Associated Press
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Harris, Acuña and Ozuna provide boost to lineup and give Braves hope they can still save season
ATLANTA (AP) — With Michael Harris II finding his power stroke, Ronald Acuña Jr. hitting .375 after missing almost a full season and Marcel Ozuna fighting his way through a hip issue, the Atlanta Braves are hoping their offensive recovery has not come too late. Harris has hit homers in back-to-back games for the Braves, who have won three of their last four games at a crucial stretch of the season. Harris hit a three-run homer to tie the game and Ozuna added another three-run shot to give the Braves the lead in their 12-4 win over Colorado on Friday night. It was Ozuna's 11th homer, despite the sore hip. The Braves trailed 4-1 before recovering to beat the lowly Rockies after winning two of three games at Milwaukee — their first series win since May 16-18. The Braves (30-38) still have much ground to make up in the NL East. Scoring six or more runs in each of their most recent three wins has given manager Brian Snitker renewed reason for optimism. The Braves, who won the 2021 World Series, need a dramatic recovery to extend their streak of seven consecutive postseason appearances. 'These are big games, all of them,' Snitker said after Friday night's win before acknowledging it won't be easy to save the season after falling 10 games below .500, most recently at 28-38. The Braves are 14 games behind the first-place New York Mets and tied for third in the East with Washington. 'As we know, we've done it before (but) not this far back,' Snitker said. Acuña doubled on the first pitch from Germán Márquez and scored on Olson's sacrifice fly. Acuña added singles in the third and fifth innings for his third consecutive three-hit game. When asked what Acuña brings to the lineup, Harris said 'Energy. He's an MVP. You know the talent is there. He brings a lot of energy at the (leadoff) spot.' Acuña stole second base in the fifth on his first attempt since returning on May 23 after missing almost a full season following surgery on his left knee. 'I was wondering if he was on a restriction,' said Harris of Acuña's wait for his first steal. 'Obviously, the speed is still there.' It was Acuña's first stolen base since May 25, 2024 at Pittsburgh, a span of 385 days. It was an encouraging sign of confidence in the surgically repaired knee for Acuña, who was NL MVP in 2023 when he hit 41 homers and had 73 steals. 'He's hit the ground running since he's been back, that's for sure,' Snitker said. 'His at-bats have been not like he missed the significant amount of time he missed.' Harris, hitting only .238, has driven in 41 runs. He has hit three of his six homers in the last six games. 'Obviously, I want my average to be up a good amount, but I feel I've been able to get some key RBIs through the season,' Harris said. The Braves have been below .500 most of the season and their recent stretch of six straight series losses led to speculation they might be sellers instead of buyers at the trade deadline. 'I don't think we really think about that much,' Harris said. '... It's just worrying about who's here now.' ___ AP MLB:
Reuters
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Braves blast Rockies thanks to HRs from Michael Harris II, Marcell Ozuna
June 14 - Michael Harris II and Marcell Ozuna both hit late-inning three-run homers to help the Atlanta Braves come back and defeat the visiting Colorado Rockies 12-4 on Friday in the opener of their three-game series. Atlanta has won three of four and Colorado has lost six of its last seven. Atlanta leads the season series 3-1. Atlanta tied the game 4-4 with two outs in the sixth inning when Harris hit a three-run homer, his sixth, into the right field seats off reliever Jake Bird, who had not allowed an earned run in his last 10 outings. It was the third time in six games that Harris has homered. Ozuna gave the Braves the lead in the seventh with two out. His home run, his 11th and first since June 1, against reliever Victor Vodnik (1-2) landed in the front row of the left-field bleachers. He added a sacrifice fly in the eighth. The winning pitcher was Enyel De Los Santos (2-2). Raisel Iglesias and Dylan Lee both pitched a scoreless inning to finish the game. Neither starting pitcher figured in the decision. Atlanta's Bryce Elder pitched 3 1/3 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits, three walks and two strikeouts. Colorado's German Marquez worked five innings and allowed one run on six hits, one walk and seven strikeouts. The Rockies scored two runs in the first inning when Ryan McMahon caught a center-cut changeup and drove it 441 feet to dead center field for a two-run homer. It was McMahon's ninth home run, the third in his last six games. He went 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. The Braves got a run back in the bottom of the inning when Ronald Acuna Jr. scored on Matt Olson's sacrifice fly to shallow left field. Acuna went 3-for-4 and stole his first base of the season. Colorado scored two more times in the fourth to take a 4-1 lead and knocked Elder out of the game. Hunter Goodman and McMahon both had RBI singles. The Braves iced the game with five runs in the eighth inning, a rally fueled by three Colorado errors. --Field Level Media
