Braves-Angels preview: Braves seek to even up series

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Braves (6-5) are looking to even up the series against the Los Angeles Angels (6-5) after losing Monday’s game 6-2. Tuesday’s game will air on Gray stations across the southeast.

The series against the Angels is the finale of a 13-day gauntlet in which the Braves did not have a single day off.

The Angels will be without superstar centerfielder Mike Trout, who is day-to-day after taking a pitch to the hand during the team’s series against the Seattle Mariners.

Pitching probables

Monday, 9:38 p.m. - LHP Chris Sale vs. RHP José Soriano

Tuesday, 9:38 p.m. - RHP Reynaldo López vs. LHP Yusei Kikuchi

Wednesday, 4:07 p.m. - RHP Grant Holmes vs. LHP Reid Detmers

Sale gave up six runs in five innings of work Monday, spoiling what should have been a relief to manager Walt Weiss. Sale, López and Holmes are just about the only certainties on the Braves’ pitching staff at the moment; injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep have depleted the Braves’ starting rotation beyond Sale, López and Holmes but that shouldn’t be a concern during this series.

Knock on wood.

Hitters to watch

Braves: It’s early days, but catcher Drake Baldwin is avoiding the sophomore slump and then some. The 25-year-old is hitting .300 and leads the Braves in runs, RBI and home runs. His 186 OPS+ is also tops among qualified hitters.

Despite going hitless in his first 10 at-bats, expect to see Jonah Heim against lefties Detmers and Kikuchi. One hopes that the switch-hitter finally figures it out in Anaheim.

Angels: With Trout injured, the job of leading the Angels offense falls to shortstop Zach Neto. He is more than up to the task, leading the team in slugging, OPS+ and home runs. He’s well on his to his third-straight multi-WAR season.

Jo Adell is considered less a hitter to watch than a defensive wizard to watch. The former top prospect put on a show over the weekend against the Mariners, robbing three home runs in one game.

Adell and Neto both homered in Monday’s game.

How to watch Braves on Gray

The Braves and Gray Media will simulcast 25 games for free, over-the-air to fans across Braves Country through Braves on Gray local television stations, reaching 26 markets throughout the Southeast.

For broadcast times, channel information and additional details, fans are encouraged to click here and check local Gray Media station listings in their markets.