4/29 News, Links, Discussion: Braves-Pirates, Return of Tim Hudson, Bryce Harper Debut
April 29, 2012 at 2:39 pm by Kevin Orris under Atlanta Braves
Hudson Returns to the Mound
The Braves look to get back in the win column after last night’s 4-2 loss to the Pirates. Tim Hudson will take the mound for the first time in the 2012 season after undergoing offseason back surgery. Game time is 1:35 on Sports South.
Braves lineup: Michael Bourn (CF), Martin Prado (LF), Freddie Freeman (1B), Brian McCann (C), Dan Uggla (2B), Chipper Jones (3B), Jason Heyward (RF), Tyler Pastornicky (SS), Tim Hudson (P)
Pirates lineup: Alex Presley (L, LF), Jose Tabata (R, RF), Andrew McCutchen (R, CF), Garrett Jones (L, 1B), Neil Walker (S, 2B), Pedro Alvarez (L, 3B), Clint Barmes (R, SS), Michael McKenry (R, C), Kevin Correia (R, P).
Game Notes
Hudson will replace Cory Gearrin on the roster to make his first start of the season today. In four rehab appearances between Class-A Rome and Triple-A Gwinnett, he has thrown 17 innings while allowing 21 hits and six walks in addition to seven earned runs. In his last two starts, he has pitched 5 and 5.2 innings, respectively.
Kevin Correia is historically known as a contact pitcher. He posted a 4.50 K/9 last season with a 2.28 BB/9. Correia has benefited from a .182 BABIP this season, providing him with a 2.00 ERA. Meanwhile, his xFIP sits at 3.21. He throws quite a few pitches, but none of them are too difficult to handle. He lacks a true strikeout pitch, hence the low K/9. Over his last two starts, his velocity has dropped 1-2 MPH compared to his usual rate.
More Links
Brian McCann will actually return to the lineup today. Here is DOB’s story.
AJC quotes following Saturday’s loss.
Mark Bowman on Chipper Jones’ soreness potentially leading to more time off.
As expected, Gearrin was optioned to Triple-A before today’s game.
Update (4:45p): Jair Jurrjens struck out four batters and allowed four hits and one earned run while walking three in seven strong innings for Triple-A Gwinnett today. While that line looks good, he only threw 54 strikes out of 93 pitches.
Around the NL East
Bryce Harper impressed in his Major League debut last night. He finished the game with a single, a sac fly and an outfield assist when he nailed a runner at the plate from left field.
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Sorry for the delay, guys. I wrote it earlier today, but apparently it was saved as a draft and never published.
I’m sure no one blames you for anything, not apology necessary.
Can Durbin bow this game too?
Just saw Ben’s article in this week’s Sports Illustrated. Nice job and congrats Ben!
What the hell is Chad Durbin doing in this game?
Durbin just threw his first good inning of the season…can’t believe it.
Those who doubt me shall bow before me! At least till I blow apart a 4 run lead later this week. Hail Fredi, he has vision that Stevie Wonder wouldn’t take. Go Braves, finish the series tomorrow and great to have Huddy back.
If you guys get a chance, could you give more analysis or thoughts on Jurrjens’ Gwinnett start? What might be the next move by Wren if JJ continues to perform at that same level? I assume trade is still the preferred option, but what if there are still no suitors? How well does he need to pitch in Gwinnett to make it back to the majors? If there are no injuries to the rest of the pitching staff, what would his potential role be?
Don’t misread me, I’m not a Jurrjens fanatic, I am a wholehearted Braves team fan, but I find his case very interesting, similar to Andruw Jones and Jeff Franceour. Any chance of avoiding their fate?
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