PITTSBURGH -- Many Braves fans got their first look at John Gil when he joined some of the organization’s other prospects to play against a Tigers prospect team in the Spring Breakout game. He exited that contest after tweaking a left leg muscle while trying to beat out a grounder in the sixth. Nearly two full months later, it’s obvious the ailment didn’t have any lingering effects on Gil’s tremendous speed, which he has been able to use far more frequently now that he has shown he is more prepared for the Single-A level than he was last summer. Gil ranks as the Braves’ No. 13 prospect per MLB Pipeline, and his 70-grade speed provides him what is widely regarded as the best run tool in the club’s Minor League system. The 18-year-old shortstop still has plenty of room to grow offensively. But while hitting .243 and constructing a .339 on-base percentage through his first 26 games, he has been successful with 23 of 27 stolen-base attempts. |
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The early-season experience has been far different than the one Gil had last year, when he hit .204 with a .297 OBP over 39 games for Augusta. He had produced a .791 OPS in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League. So, there wasn’t any reason to keep him there any longer last year. And with the recent elimination of short-season Rookie ball, there was only one place to send him and Luis Guanipa, an outfielder who ranks as the Braves' No. 14 prospect. “We knew what we were sending there,” Braves roving instructor Terry Pendleton said in March. “We knew it was going to be kids that weren't going to get crushed by this. Some kids lose confidence and they're done. You have to be real sensitive with certain kids. You can't send them there knowing that if they fail or don't succeed, they're done. These two kids will fight you, too, until they’ve got nothing left, you know? We knew they would bounce back if they had success or didn't have success.” Guanipa ranked as one of the top available outfielders when the Braves gave him a $2.3 million signing bonus in 2023. He played just three games this year for Augusta before landing on the injured list with a wrist injury. Gil has successfully handled the underdog role since receiving a $100,000 signing bonus that same year. |
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MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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No Braves player has recorded at least two hits in more than eight straight games. Who was the club’s most recent player to tally eight straight multihit games?
A. Hank Aaron
B. Chipper Jones
C. Chris Johnson
D. Martin Prado
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Spencer Strider hopes to be activated from the injured list this week, but he also knows there’s a good chance he’ll be asked to make at least one rehab start. Strider felt good during a regular bullpen session on Saturday, but it’s been more than three weeks since he pitched in a game. Strider isn’t slated to start against the Nationals over the next four days. He could be activated to start against the Red Sox on Friday night at Fenway Park, which would give Chris Sale an extra day of rest. But, the Braves may want to let Strider throw 60-plus pitches in a rehab game before activating him. |
As part of the Braves' May in the A campaign, fans can enjoy unique offerings and deals throughout the Braves-Nationals series.
Tickets • $10 General Admission tickets and $30 Home Run Porch tickets • General Admission tickets are first come, first served and are located in Sections 439-444
Concessions • $1.99 hotdogs in Section 313 and Section 343 • $3.99 Miller High Life in Section 313 and Section 343
Parking • $10 parking will be available in Lot 31 for the first 500 spots
Retail The following deals will be available at all retail locations: • 50% off City Connect On-field Fitted caps, making them $25 each, while supplies last • Additional styles are also available at 50% off while supplies last |
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C. Johnson went 18-for-33 with three doubles and a homer while notching two or more hits over eight straight games from July 26-Aug. 2, 2013. Johnson will be in Atlanta this week serving as the Nationals’ assistant hitting coach. Aaron (1959), George Sisler (1928) and Walter Barbare (1921) are the only other players to have eight straight multihit games for the Braves. |
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