With less than three weeks to go until the 2023 regular season wraps up, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. Will Wright return today?
The Braves are scheduled to play a doubleheader against the Phillies today, with veteran Charlie Morton set to take the ball against righty Taijuan Walker in game one. The Braves have not yet announced who will face off against right-hander Michael Lorenzen in Game 2, but manager Brian Snitker told reporters (including MLB.com’s Mark Bowman) yesterday that one option to take the role is Kyle Wright. Wright is on the 60-day IL, so a corresponding 40-man roster move will be necessary to activate him.
The 27-year-old hurler has been on the injured list with a shoulder strain since early May and struggled to a 5.79 ERA in five starts to open the season, but was a dominant force in Atlanta’s rotation as recently as last year with a 3.19 ERA and 3.58 FIP in 180 1/3 innings of work. If Wright is healthy and effective in his return, he’ll provide a boost for a Braves club that already boasts the best record in baseball (93-49) as they look ahead to the postseason.
2. Conforto nearing return:
According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Giants outfielder Michael Conforto is on the verge of returning to the big league club. Conforto’s been on the 10-day IL since late August with a hamstring strain, but could return to the lineup for tonight’s game against the Guardians. After missing the entire 2022 campaign due to injury, Conforto has hit decently in 111 games this year, with a .251/.343/.405 slash line (107 wRC+) in 426 trips to the plate. While those numbers certainly aren’t bad by any means, they’re a far cry from the .265/.369/.495 slash line (133 wRC+) Conforto put together between 2017 and 2020 that gave him the look of an All-Star-caliber bat. A Conforto return would add a quality bat to a San Francisco offense that has gotten hot in recent days, with 34 runs scored in their past five games.
3. Series Preview: Marlins @ Brewers
A consequential series for the NL playoff picture kicks off today as the Marlins head to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers for four games. Miami sits just half a game back of the third NL Wild Card spot with a 74-69 record, while the Brewers are holding onto a three game lead over the Cubs in the NL Central division. While a strong performance from Milwaukee could give them additional breathing room in the division ahead of their final three-game set against Chicago to wrap up the regular season, this series holds even more importance for the Marlins as they stare down an impending three-game set against a fearsome Braves club, not to mention three more games against the Brewers during their homestand next week.
For game one this evening, Marlins lefty Jesus Luzardo (3.59 ERA) will take on Brewers righty Brandon Woodruff (2.30 ERA). The Marlins have not announced who will take on Freddy Peralta (3.89 ERA) in game two of the series, while the Brewers haven’t announced a starter opposite Braxton Garrett (3.82 ERA) for game three. Neither starter has been announced for Thursday’s series finale. Tonight’s game begins at 6:40pm CT.
DanUgglasRing
The second Conforto steps on the field, Haniger will fracture his pelvis in seventeen places.
bag o ballz
I am kind of dreading conforto coming back as I hope the corresponding move isn’t matos – he has been rock solid lately and don’t want to see him sent back down again just ot make space in an outfield.
EBJ
I agree. I’m guessing it will be Slater to the IL with his dizziness issue. I’m hoping, at least.
Unclemike1526
As long as it doesn’t impact his Arbitration status PCA is a decent call up. I guess this means Candelario’s back is worse than they thought. He’ll probably go on the 10 day. Eventually someone will have to go. There are plenty of possibilities but Mastrobuoni probably stays unless they really are dumb enough to keep Wisdom around. Looks Belli is playing 1B for the rest of the regular season anyway. Will be Easier on his legs anyway. I guess Tauchman finally came back to Earth. If it doesn’t impact his status why don’t they do this with other prospects? Never understood the whole clock thing anyway.
avenger65
Uncle Mike: I think you’re looking for a different article.
Unclemike1526
PCA was originally the first story in this article. Then they moved it to it’s own space so I re-posted it there. LOL
DarkSide830
Doesn’t matter who faces the Phillies, the Braves will sweep.
Idosteroids
Phillies ALWAYS play the braves tough at CBP
Hemlock
> Doesn’t matter who faces the Phillies,
> the Braves will sweep.
I think your time machine is broken.
FrontRowMarlins
Fantastic! Happy the Marlins are in a playoff hunt. Brewers and Phillies are sitting too comfortable in the standings, Marlins applying the pressure. 🙂
Louholtz22
The Brewers are far from comfortable. Trying to fend off the Cubs. 20 games for the Brewers in 21 days. The Cubs with 18. Thanks, schedule makers