The Atlanta Braves (31-20) will host the Toronto Blue Jays (22-30) tonight at 7:05 at Turner Field after the two clubs split a quick two-game set in Canada. Tonight's game can be live streamed for free here or at MLB.com with a subscription. Braves fans can tune in to the radio broadcast at 93.7 FM, while Blue Jays fans can listen in on SN590.
The main problem for the Braves heading into this series is having too many productive players. With longtime catcher Brian McCann fully healthy, finding time for slugging catcher Evan Gattis, who filled in ably early in the season can be challenging at times.
In the last 14 days, Gattis has hit .444 with five home runs and 12 RBI in 20 plate appearances. In the same 14 days, McCann is hitting .267 with three home runs and four RBI in 33 plate appearances. In Toronto, the pair swatted back-to-back homers last night, with McCann in the order as a designated hitter. In Atlanta, there is no such benefit.
Gattis, who has a team-leading 32 RBI, said, "We've got a good American League lineup, we've got a lot of power guys." Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez agreed with Gattis' assessment, lumping in Freddie Freeman with the catching duo. Gonzalez said, "That's a pretty big three right there. Too bad we're not in the American League. We've got to go back and play National League. But it's nice to have those three guys in the lineup all at one time."
Gattis has received time in the outfield, and if B.J. Upton continues to falter (.148, four home runs, four RBI) they may be able to put Gattis out there on days McCann is scheduled to catch.
Despite the tough call Gonzalez must make on a nightly basis about whether to suit up McCann or Gattis behind home plate, he must admit it's a nice problem to have for the National League East leading Braves.
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