Atlanta Braves Clippings Sunday, June 28, 2015

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1 Atlanta Braves Clippings Sunday, June 28, 2015 Braves.com Rough 1st inning too much for Braves By Mark Bowman and Tom Singer PITTSBURGH -- Pedro Alvarez has only been along the ride for most of the first half of the season, but he may be ready to give the Pirates a lift. Alvarez's two-run double triggered a five-run first on Saturday and the Bucs went on to an 8-4 win over Atlanta at rain-soaked PNC Park. Julio Teheran's road woes continued as the opening inning caved in on him shortly after he hit Andrew McCutchen the left elbow with a pitch, forcing the All-Star outfielder's removal from the game. Although he settled in to hold the Pirates to one additional run in his six-inning outing, Teheran's road ERA swelled to 7.40 (40 earned runs in 48 2/3 innings). "I'm not the only one ticked off. We were all ticked off," McCutchen said. "It's not just me; someone gets hit and has to come out of the game, that's something we don't like. So it's good that they responded and put some runs on the board. More importantly, that we came through with the win." Starling Marte came home on a double steal with Alvarez in the fifth and finished the game with three hits. Alvarez also had the key hit in the Pirates' 3-2 victory in Friday night's 10-inning series opener. The newbie first baseman has gone 7-for-19 (.368) with six RBIs in his last five games. MOMENTS THAT MATTERED McCutchen elbowed out: After having dodged inside pitches on a daily basis, McCutchen took a direct hit on the left elbow in the first, forcing his early removal; X-rays on the joint were negative. In the ensuing half inning, Morton nailed the Braves' Andrelton Simmons, prompting home-plate umpire John Tumpane to immediately issue warnings to both benches. More > Teheran's ugly first: Teheran retired 17 of the final 22 batters he faced during his six-inning stint. But the Braves were unable to erase the damage created when Teheran retired just one of the first eight batters he faced. Marte and Francisco Cervelli wrapped RBI singles around Alvarez's double in that opening frame. More > "We've got to sit down and figure out how we get him through those innings so he doesn't give up four or five runs," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "It seems like it's either early in the game or late in the game that gets him." No gray matter for Morton: Things continued to be either hot or cold for Charlie Morton, with nothing in between. Through A.J. Pierzynski's single with one out in the third, and counting Morton's previous start, he had allowed 15 hits in a three-inning span. Then he retired 11 straight -- until letting the Braves load the bases with none out in the seventh and Jace Peterson to unload them with a double that got the Braves back in the game. More > Peterson likes 'em loaded: Before the Pirates tallied a pair of seventh-inning insurance runs against Nick Masset, Peterson brought the Braves within 6-4 with a three-run seventh-inning double in the seventh. Peterson entered the plate appearance with two hits in his past 24 at-bats. He now has seven hits in 11 at-bats with the bases loaded. More > QUOTABLE "I was just trying to get [inside] there, and I know you can't make a mistake to a hitter like that. I didn't know my two-seamer was moving that much. It was the first one I threw in the game. I feel bad that I hit him." -- Teheran, on hitting McCutchen "It is [frustrating], there's no doubt. It gets everybody a little bowed up." -- Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, on McCutchen's plunking, and the rest of the Bucs' response to it SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS Teheran has allowed at least five earned runs in five of his first 16 starts this season. He surrendered five runs in just four of the 33 starts he made last year.

2 The Pirates impressively remained perfect in a couple of home categories, running their record at PNC Park against NL East teams to 11-0, and in afternoon games to REPLAY REVIEW The Braves were unsuccessful with the challenge issued when Nick Markakis was ruled out while attempting to score on Pierzynski's double with two outs in the first inning. While some replay angles showed Markakis' hand might have touched the plate before he was tagged, the play stood because the umpires did not see conclusive evidence. WHAT'S NEXT Braves: Alex Wood will take the mound when Pittsburgh and Atlanta conclude this three game series on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. ET. Wood has produced a 2.72 ERA over his past seven starts. He was ejected for arguing balls and strikes after surrendering three fifth-inning runs during a June 7 loss to the Pirates. Pirates: The Bucs will go for their ninth sweep of the season in Sunday's 1:35 p.m. ET series finale behind Jeff Locke, who will come off his first start devoid of a strikeout since last Aug. 22, but owns a 3.17 ERA for eight home starts. Peterson breaks slump by clearing bases By John McGonigal / MLB.com PITTSBURGH -- When runners are on, the task at hand is to score them. It's simple and straightforward, but difficult to do. Braves second baseman Jace Peterson happens to thrive in those situations, and, even though he was mired in an extended slump recently, the 25-year-old delivered when Atlanta needed a jolt of offensive life in Saturday's 8-4 loss to the Pirates at PNC Park. Pittsburgh dealt with gray skies and rain all afternoon, but on the scoreboard, the Pirates looked to be in the clear with a five-run lead going into the top of the seventh. However, with no outs in the frame, Peterson unloaded the bases with a three-run double to the right-field gap, temporarily forming a cloud of uncertainty over Saturday's result. With the Pirates tacking on two more runs in the bottom of the frame, Peterson's drive wasn't the difference maker. But for someone who had one hit in his last 21 at-bats entering the game, the double could mean more for him going forward. "This game is about confidence. Believe it or not, these guys live from at-bat to at-bat," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Here's a young guy that doesn't let anything else affect him....hopefully this will catapult him into a nice streak." With eight strikeouts in his previous six games, Peterson needed a favorable situation. And this year, that situation has been with runners in scoring position. Entering Saturday, Peterson was hitting.321 and boasting a.409 OBP, two home runs and 31 RBIs with runners in scoring position. Peterson has had particular success with bases loaded. He's now 7-for-11 with 18 RBIs with them loaded. "You kind of put a little more grit into it," Peterson said. "When you've got runners out there, you want to get them in." While it didn't win Atlanta the game, perhaps the double can propel Peterson out of his slump -- and subsequently help the Braves out of their now five-game losing streak. Teheran's roller-coaster season continues By Mark Bowman / MLB.com PITTSBURGH -- Before determining whether Julio Teheran still fits in their long-term plans, the Braves will be challenged to figure out if he's the guy who surrendered five first-inning runs during Saturday's 8-4 loss to the Pirates, or the one who allowed just one more run over the remainder of his six-inning effort. "There's something there that we've got to fix," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We've got to take care of it collectively. Julio has a big voice in this. When we get home and he throws his side [session] on Tuesday, we've got to sit down and figure out what needs to be addressed." When Teheran earned his first All-Star selection last year and drew his second straight Opening Day assignment this season, there certainly wasn't reason to anticipate the Braves would spend most of these past two months wondering what the future holds for the 24-year-old right-hander.

3 As Teheran surrendered six earned runs and nine hits over six innings on Saturday, he produced a microcosm of his season. After allowing seven of the first eight hitters he faced to reach safely, he retired 17 of the final 22 he faced. The lone run he surrendered after the first inning came courtesy of double steal that would have resulted in an out had first baseman Joey Terdoslavich not made an errant throw to the plate. Maybe it shouldn't have been too surprising to see the vastly different results Teheran produced on Saturday. This is the same guy who limited the Brewers to two hits over seven innings on May 21 and then allowed 10 hits in just 4 1/3 innings against the Dodgers only five days later. He has now allowed six earned runs in two of his past three outings. In between, he limited the Mets to one hit over seven scoreless innings. And if that's not enough info to prove how frustratingly odd this season has been for Teheran, it should be pointed out that he has a 7.40 ERA on the road and a 2.35 ERA at home. His overall 4.94 ERA ranks in the bottom five among all qualified National League starters. "I'm just trying to keep my mind strong," Teheran said. "I'm just trying to control what I can control. Every time I go out there, I'm trying to give my best. If I don't have my best, I'm just trying to battle." Stocked with an abundance of other talented young pitchers, the Braves could opt to trade Teheran to fill their need to for a power bat. If they were to do so right now, they'd be selling low on a pitcher who had an abundance of value after he produced a 2.89 ERA last year. But recent results provide reason to wonder if he will ever regain his original value. If Teheran turns things around during this season's final three months, his potential trade value will increase and there will be greater reason for the Braves to keep him. Given how these past few months have unfolded, this is a potential dilemma the Braves would welcome with open arms. Braves place Perez on DL with bruised foot Young righty dealing with swelling after being hit in left foot by comebacker By Mark Bowman / MLB.com PITTSBURGH -- The Braves did not wait long to place Williams Perez on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised left foot. Now, they simply need to decide who will assume his spot in the starting rotation for at least the next couple of weeks. Manny Banuelos appears to be the most likely candidate to make what would have been Perez's next scheduled start on Thursday against the Nationals. Banuelos was scheduled to start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. This puts him in line to make Thursday's start on regular rest. Perez exited Friday night's loss to the Pirates shortly after his left foot was struck with Josh Harrison's fifth-inning comebacker. Although X-rays showed no structural damage, the Braves' right-hander awoke on Saturday morning dealing with the discomfort created by the swelling that increased overnight. "It was worse than I thought it would be. I woke up with a lot of pain," Perez said with Braves coaching assistant Horacio Ramirez interpreting. When Perez returned to PNC Park on Saturday, he was still wearing the walking boot he was given after exiting Friday's game. The 24-year-old pitcher is hopeful that he will be ready to rejoin Atlanta's starting rotation immediately after the All-Star break. Perez has gone 4-0 with a 2.31 ERA in the eight starts he has made since joining Atlanta's starting rotation on May 20. He had completed 4 2/3 scoreless innings on Friday before he was forced to make an abrupt exit. The Braves filled Perez's roster spot by purchasing right-handed reliever Jake Brigham's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett. Brigham, 27, will serve as a long-relief option in Atlanta's bullpen. Braves call up Brigham to join bullpen Longtime Minor Leaguer finally reaches bigs By Mark Bowman / MLB.com WASHINGTON -- Less than a week after earning a promotion to Triple-A Gwinnett, right-handed pitcher Jake Brigham received the call he had been waiting for since beginning his professional career in After toiling at the Minor League level over the course of 10 different seasons, the 27- year-old finally finds himself in the Majors as the latest member of Atlanta's bullpen. After placing Williams Perez on the disabled list on Saturday with a bruised left foot, the Braves purchased Brigham's contract from Gwinnett. Brigham will be targeted to serve as Atlanta's long reliever.

4 "I just started crying," Brigham said when asked about his reaction. "I've been in the Minor Leagues for nine years and I've been with several organizations. When [Triple-A manager Brian Snitker] told me, it was just overwhelming. It was a really great feeling." Snitker informed Brigham that he would be coming to the Majors on Friday afternoon, before Perez suffered a bruised left foot that will sideline him until after the All-Star break. Had Perez not suffered the injury, the Braves likely would have sent Sugar Ray Marimon back to Gwinnett to make room for Brigham. Instead, the Braves will option Marimon to Gwinnett on Sunday to make room for right-handed reliever Ryan Kelly, who has also never previously pitched in the Majors. Kelly has produced a 1.15 ERA in the 27 appearances he has combined to make for Double-A Mississippi and Gwinnett this season. Brigham earned his promotion to Gwinnett after posting a 1.13 ERA and limiting opponents to a.095 batting average over the four starts he made for Mississippi from May 29 to June 17. Though he was a power pitcher throughout most of his Major League career, he has proven much more consistent since he started to get a better feel for his sinker over the past couple seasons. "I think learning to throw [the sinker] to both sides of the plate and being aggressive with it has been what this team has been about," Brigham said. "I've just been attacking guys from the first pitch on." Brigham is positioned to become the 24th different pitcher and 19th different reliever used by the Braves this season. Locke, Wood set to battle in finale at PNC Park By John McGonigal / MLB.com After Charlie Morton hit the hill Saturday, Pirates southpaw Jeff Locke -- another part of Pittsburgh and Atlanta's 2009 trade -- will face his old club when Alex Wood and the Braves close out the three-game series at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday at PNC Park. On June 3, 2009, the Braves sent Locke, Morton and Gorkys Hernandez to the Pirates in exchange for Nate McLouth, a 2008 All-Star. McLouth didn't work out for Atlanta, as the outfielder hit just.229 with 21 home runs and 79 RBIs in three seasons with the Braves. Meanwhile, Morton and Locke are regulars in the Pirates' rotation, and the latter will look to improve his 4-3 record and 4.73 ERA on the year. Wood, meanwhile, is 4-5 on the year despite a solid 3.44 ERA. Things to know for this game In five career starts against his former club, Locke hasn't fared well. The left-hander owns a 1-1 record and 6.08 ERA, which includes his most recent outing against the Braves -- a four-run loss in Atlanta on June 6. Sunday's matchup with Wood will be just the second time in the last 11 games that the Pirates will face a left-handed starting pitcher. The other occasion was a loss to Nationals' Gio Gonzalez, who pitched seven scoreless innings. In 12 career at-bats against Locke, the Braves' Chris Johnson has had the pitcher's number. Johnson has five hits, including two home runs and two doubles. Atlanta Journal-Constitution Braves lose fifth straight as Teheran struggles By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution PITTSBURGH By the time the Pirates were done batting around against Julio Teheran in the first inning, the only question was whether the rain or the home team would win out. The showers never grew strong enough to wash away another awful road start for Teheran. The Pirates knocked him around early and went on to an 8-4 victory Saturday at PNC Park. Teheran (5-4) was an All-Star for the first time in 2014, but has been good only sporadically this season. Each sign of a possible turnaround such as the allowing hit and no runs over seven innings against the Mets in his last start usually is followed by a dud.

5 I m just trying to keep my mind strong, Teheran said. Every time I go out there I m trying to give my best, and even if I don t have my best, I m just trying to battle. Teheran has especially struggled away away from Turner Field. He had a 7.17 ERA in his eight previous starts on the road, and it didn t take long to see the trend would continue against the Pirates. After Teheran retired leadoff hitter Josh Harrison, the next seven batters reached base. Starling Marte, Francisco Cervelli and Jordy Mercer had RBI singles, and Pedro Alvarez smacked a two-run double to the right-center gap. As in many of Teheran s outings this season, the Pirates poured it on during one big inning. It seems like it s either early in the game or late in the game where he gets there, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. We ve got to figure it out. This young man last year was an All-Star, and he s got plenty of stuff to get people out with. Teheran finally ended the first inning by striking out Harrison. He allowed four hits and a run over the next five innings, but the dreadful beginning was too much to overcome for the Braves. The Braves power-deficient lineup is missing its biggest bat with Freddie Freeman (wrist) on the disabled list, making it difficult to come back from big deficits. The Braves gave it a try in the seventh inning. Joey Terdoslavich and Andrelton Simmons hit back-to-back singles, and Pirates pitcher Charlie Morton (6-1) hit pinch hitter Eury Perez with a pitch to load the bases. Jace Peterson followed with a three-run double to deep right-center that cut the deficit to 6-4 and chased Morton. Cameron Maybin, Nick Markakis and A.J. Pierzynski all flied out to center field to strand Peterson. The Pirates added two runs in the bottom of the inning against relief pitcher Nick Masset. Morton scattered 10 hits over six innings. Pierzynski doubled in the first inning, but Nick Markakis was thrown out trying to score from first. Maybin doubled in the third inning and scored on Markakis single before Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson left two base runners stranded. Rain occasionally fell early in the game, raising the possibility it could be rained out before it became official with five innings. A brief, heavy shower delayed the game with one out in the top of the fifth before play resumed after 31 minutes. The Braves gave the Pirates another run with a defensive miscue in the fifth inning. With two outs, Teheran caught Alvarez off of first base, and the Braves got him in a rundown. But Marte broke for home before the Braves could tag Alvarez, and first baseman Terdoslavich s throw home was too late to get Marte. McCutchen left the game after Teheran hit in the left elbow with a pitch in the first inning. In the second inning Morton hit Braves shortstop Simmons in the leg with a pitch, prompting home-plate umpire John Tumpane to warn both benches. There were no more incidents in the game. The Pirates said X-rays were negative on McCutchen s elbow. Pirates 8, Braves 4 By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution A recap of the Braves loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday at PNC Park. How the game was won: The Pirates roughed up Braves starter Julio Teheran early and went on to an 8-4 victory. The Braves lost their fifth consecutive game and will look to avoid the sweep on Sunday. Teheran gave up five hits and five runs in the first inning. The Braves got to Pirates starter Charlie Morton for three runs in the seventh inning to pull within two runs but Pittsburgh added two runs in the bottom of the inning to extend the lead. Number: Braves record in three-game series this season. Next: The Braves play the Pirates at 1:35 p.m. Sunday on Fox Sports South. LHP Alex Wood (4-5, 3.44 ERA) faces LHP Jeff Locke (4-3, 4.73 ERA). Brigham gets big-league shot with Braves By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

6 After nine years in the minor leagues, pitcher Jake Brigham finally got the call to the big leagues. The Braves promoted Brigham on Saturday after he d pitched just one game for Triple-A Gwinnett. Brigham got the news from Gwinnett manager Brian Snitker on Friday and joined the Braves bullpen for their game Saturday against the Pirates. I just started crying, Brigham said. I ve been in the minor leagues nine years. I ve been with several different organizations. When Snit told me, it was just overwhelming. It was a really good feeling. The Braves signed Brigham to a minor-league contract during the winter. He made three appearances with the big-league club during spring training, began the season at Double-A Mississippi and pitched four innings in relief for Gwinnett on Tuesday. The Braves called up Brigham, 27, after they placed starting pitcher Williams Perez (foot) on the 15-day disabled list. It was crazy, Brigham said. It was fast. The Braves invited Brigham to spring camp because he came recommended to manager Fredi Gonzalez by long-time pitching coach Mark Connor. Connor was a coach for the Rangers, who selected Brigham in the sixth round of the 2006 draft out of Central Florida Christian Academy. This season Brigham has posted career-best numbers for ERA (3.13) and walks and hits per inning pitched (1.058). He took a perfect game into the ninth inning for Mississippi on June 4. The experience level is there, Gonzalez said. He s been able to mix his pitches and throw them all for strikes. He s pitched well. Brigham said he s always had a hard fastball and good slider. He said he added a sinker to his repertoire in 2013 at the urging of his Triple-A pitching coach, Brad Holman. We started messing around with it and it led to first-pitch outs, quick outs, a lot of ground balls, (and) going deeper into games, Brigham said. It s been a real weapon for me to throw behind in the count, something that moves and is going to put the ball on the ground. Braves place W. Perez on DL with foot bruise By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution PITTSBURGH The Braves on Saturday placed pitcher Williams Perez on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised left foot. Perez was struck by a sharp ground ball during the fifth inning of the game Friday. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said the team didn t think Perez would be ready for his next start on Thursday. Rather than alter the starting rotation or play with 24 healthy players, the Braves placed Perez on the disabled list and promoted right-hander Jake Brigham from Triple-A Gwinnett to pitch out of the bullpen. Gonzalez said the Braves hadn t decided who would take Perez s turn in the rotation. The most likely candidate is left-hander Manny Banuelos, who was scheduled to pitch for Gwinnett on Saturday night. Banuelos posted a league-best 2.03 ERA over his first 14 starts. Perez was hit by Pirates Josh Harrison s ground ball and left the game after he was wild throwing to the next two batters. X-rays on Perez s foot were negative, and he said through an interpreter that he s not scheduled for any more tests. It s worse than what I thought it was going to be, he said. I woke up with a lot of pain (Saturday). Sunday s game: Braves at Pirates By Carroll Rogers Walton - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh When: 1:35 p.m. TV/Radio: FSSO/680, 93.7, Probable starting pitchers: Braves LH Alex Wood (4-5, 3.44) vs. LH Jeff Locke (4-3, 4.73) What s new: Juan Uribe used a 2-for-3 night in the series opener at PNC Park on Friday to break out of an 0-for-14 stretch. Uribe homered to tie the score 2-2 in an eventual 3-2 loss. It was his first in nearly a month since he homered off Madison Bumgarner in San Francisco on May 31. Uribe is among the Braves leaders in batting average against left-handers. He is hitting.353 (6-for-17) with two home runs against left-handers as a Brave.

7 Chris Johnson is 12-for-30 (.400) with two doubles, a home run and three RBIs against left-handers. Specifically against Locke, Johnson is 5-for-12 (.417) for his career, with two doubles and two home runs. Braves quotes after loss to Pirates By Michael Cunningham - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution FREDI GONZALEZ On Julio Teheran recovering after bad first inning Yeah, I think after that first inning he retired 17 batters of the next 22. After he hit (Andrew) McCutchen, I don t know if that rattled him a little bit. They ended up scoring a big number. We got within two runs and instead of getting a shut down they scored (two runs) and got us out of striking distance. We ve got to minimize those big innings with Julio. That seems to be the thing that gets him every time. We need to sit down with the brain trust, with Roger (McDowell) and myself and figure out how we get him through those innings where he doesn t give up five runs or four runs. It seems like it s either early in the game or late in the game where he gets there. We ve got to figure it out. This young man last year was an All-Star and he s got plenty of stuff to get people out with. On if he saw any of the changes Teheran has made Today, it was just that first inning. You saw the guy that last start went seven innings in 90 pitches and gave us an opportunity to win. After the first inning (today) you saw that same guy. There is something there we ve got to fix collectively. And I put Julio in there, he s got a big voice in this. We ve got sit down when he throws his side on Tuesday and figure out what he s got to addressed. On Jace Peterson s three-run double before Pirates scored two more runs You get a bases-clearing double and you get back in striking distance. If you notice, we switched pitchers in the bullpen. We thought (Nick) Masset could keep us right there. And then the Pirates battled back and got (two) and we couldn t come back from that. On what Peterson s doubles can do for him with recent struggles This game is about confidence. Believe it or not, these guys lose it at-bat to at-bat. They can be 14-for-14 and then they go 0-for-1 and they panic. Here is a young guy that doesn t let anything affect him. He plays the game the right way. Hopefully this will catapult him into a nice streak. JULIO TEHERAN On if he settled in after first inning It was a tough first inning. When you give up five runs in the first inning all you are just trying to stay in the game (from there). On frequently getting hurt by one big inning this season Like everybody knows, it s just one inning I get in trouble and they score all the runs. Trying to battle and trying to find a way to pitch better. On if hitting McCutchen with a pitch shake him up No, not really. I was just trying to get in there (inside) and I know you can t make a mistake with a hitter like that. I didn t know my two-seamer was moving that much. That was the first one I threw in the game. I feel bad that I hit him. But it s part of the game. You don t want that to affect you. On what changed after first inning Just trying to slow everything down. I wasn t able to do it in the first inning because I m trying to make pitches. On how frustrating this season has been I m just trying to keep my mind strong. That s part of the game and sometimes you can t control that. I m trying to control that I can control. Every time I go out there I m trying to give my best and even if I don t have my best, I m just trying to battle. On adjustments against left-handed batters That s the most important thing I ve been working on is left-handed hitters. I ve been doing pretty good. Today I didn t face that many left-handed hitters and the mistakes that I made in the first inning were against right-handers. JACE PETERSON

8 On if he takes a positive from his three-run double in spite of the loss I was able to come through with a hit but at the end of the day we lost. Hopefully we can come out tomorrow and get a win. On if he saw Teheran make adjustments after the first inning He was great. He made great pitches. It s never easy to pitch when the weather is like that. To come back out and stay at it I think he did a great job. He s been consistent the whole time. On if the double can get him going after his slump I think so. In Washington, I struggled. I hit some balls good and didn t get hits. I ve just got to keep going. That s part of baseball. You have ups and downs but you ve got to keep going. On being 7-for-11 with bases loaded When runners are on, you are trying to get them in. Any time you come up in that situation you try to put a little bit more grit to it, I guess, and try to get the job done. Fox Sports South Three Cuts: Braves drop 5th straight game in loss to Pirates By Zach Dillard The Atlanta Braves' losing streak hit a season-worst five games on Saturday evening after a rain-delayed 8-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here are three observations from the game: 1. JULIO TEHERAN'S SPLITS REMAIN COMICALLY LOPSIDED Julio Teheran's numbers, while far below his career expectations, had rebounded in June, primarily because three of his four starts came in the friendly confines of Turner Field. He even pitched well against the Pirates back on June 6 -- his monthly splits being skewed by two solid outings that fell apart in their respective eighth innings -- and he was coming off his deepest shutout outing of the season, a seven-inning gem against Matt Harvey and the Mets. The problem: This Braves-Pirates series is being played at PNC Park, and whenever Teheran steps away from home problems arise. The 24-year-old Braves starter allowed six earned runs (five runs coming in a disastrous first inning) on nine hits against the streaking Pirates as his team fell five games below.500 for the first time in He was able to settle down and save the bullpen extra stress, but it was too late: The Pirates offense had done enough at the end of the opening frame. "After the first inning there, I think he retired 17 batters out of the next 22. He hit (Andrew) McCutchen, I don't know if that rattled him a little bit and they ended up scoring a big number (in the first)," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Then we got within two runs and instead of us getting a shutdown (inning), they got back in and scored three runs and got us out of striking distance. But there's something -- we've got to minimize those big innings with Julio. That seems to be the thing that gets him every time. "We've need to sit down with the brain trust, with Roger (McDowell) and myself, and figure how we get him through those innings where he doesn't give up five or four runs." Teheran's June numbers were a fitting microcosm of his season to date, allowing 12 earned runs in 12 1/3 innings on the road. The Red Sox lit him up at Fenway. The Pirates followed suit at PNC Park. Those home/road splits keep heading in opposite directions: Home: 4-0 record, 2.35 ERA, 40 strikeouts, 12 walks Road: 1-4 record, 7.40 ERA, 34 strikeouts, 21 walks That looks like two completely different pitchers. It also makes it difficult to gauge where Teheran is during what is shaping up to be the worst season of his career to date. He was demonstrably more effective in June than in previous months, but there's no way to guarantee he pitches the bottom of every frame. Eventually these road woes will either need to regress to the mean or McDowell has some work cut out for him.

9 "You saw the guy that last start went seven innings at 90 pitches and gave us a great opportunity to win the game -- after the first inning, you saw that same guy," Gonzalez said. "There's something there that we have to fix. We've gotta take care of it." 2. Jace Peterson breaks out of mini-slump in big way The Braves' rookie second baseman has been handed the reins to the team's leadoff positions, an area of concern entering the year with Jason Heyward on his way to St. Louis and few other viable options, and his recent slump has only compounded the issues the team is facing without first baseman Freddie Freeman in the lineup. Peterson entered Saturday's game with just one hit in his previous 27 plate appearances. That was good enough for an.046 batting average over a six-game stretch. That slump appeared to come to an end against Pirates starter Charlie Morton. In his first at-bat of the game, Peterson battled Morton to a full count before hitting a high chopper over the pitcher's mound for an infield single. He followed that confidence-building plate appearance with Atlanta's biggest hit of the game, a seventh-inning, bases-clearing double. It was the closest the Braves ever got to winning the game. "This game is about confidence. Believe it or not, these guys live at-bat to at-bat. They can be 14 for 14 and then they go 0 for 1 and all of a sudden they panic. Here's a young guy that doesn't let anything else affect him. He plays the game the right way. So hopefully this will catapult him to a nice streak." (If only Peterson could hit with the bases loaded every time. In 12 career plate appearances with the bases full, Peterson has seven hits, one home run and 15 RBI.) The Braves offense is showing some signs of life in Pittsburgh, posting 17 hits in the past two games, but without a power threat in the middle the team is having difficulties capitalizing on its opportunities. 3. Braves aim to get to Jeff Locke on Sunday Locke, a former Braves draft pick, is the worst pitcher standing between Atlanta and a losing streak that could get out of hand. Following the Locke-Alex Wood matchup on Sunday afternoon, the Braves will host the NL East-leading Washington Nationals and the top pitching staff in baseball. And this time around, they won't avoid Max Scherzer. If the Braves are unable to snap their five-game losing streak against Locke, who owns a 4.73 ERA in 14 starts this season, they will try to find their footing against Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister and then Scherzer in the finale. Without Freeman, who is still dealing with a wrist injury, that could be a tall task. Braves place starter Williams Perez on DL with foot contusion Braves starter Williams Perez is headed to the disabled list with a left foot contusion after being hit by a baseball on Friday night. Perez wore a walking boot out of Pittsburgh's PNC Park following his start, which was eventually cut short after Pirates outfielder Josh Harrison's fifth-inning comebacker to the mound hit his foot. Perez went down but, after an examination from trainer Jeff Porter, stayed in the game. He was ineffective, however, as the foot began to get more and more stiff, and he was pulled a few batters later. X-rays were negative, but Perez will be unavailable for at least his next few starts. The Braves have not announced which pitcher will take his spot in the rotation, though rookie Mike Foltynewicz could return from Triple-A Gwinnett. Young left-hander Manny Banuelos, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Yankees, is another possible candidate, though he has yet to pitch in the majors. "When I first got hit, I thought it was a lot more serious," Perez told reporters after the game. "I thought I might have broken my foot, but thank God it wasn't that serious and hopefully, I'll be out there soon." Perez, a 24-year-old rookie, has pitched well since joining Atlanta's rotation, posting a 2.31 ERA in eight starts. After dropping their series opener against the Pirates, the Braves (35-39) are in the middle of a four-game losing streak. Reuters

10 Atlanta Braves Team Report PITTSBURGH -- Right-hander Williams Perez was in the midst of another solid outing Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had thrown four shutout innings while the Braves staked him to an early lead. It looked like the one run Atlanta scored in the second would be enough. But fortune didn't favor him or the Braves. In the fifth, third baseman Josh Harrison hit a line drive off Perez's foot with two outs that ultimately forced him from the game. But not after he walked second baseman Neil Walker and hit center fielder Andrew McCutchen. "It did affect me after I got hit," Perez said. "I was a little scared, a little timid to get on that foot and that caused me to be a little more erratic." Left-hander Luis Avilan entered and allowed two of his inherited runners to score on first baseman Pedro Alvarez's single to center. In the 10th, things again swung away from the Braves. McCutchen doubled leading off the inning, forcing right-hander Jason Grilli against a wall. After intentionally walking left fielder Starling Marte and striking out Alvarez, shortstop Jordy Mercer delivered the game-winning double. "We were up against it there. Leadoff double to McCutchen, you've gotta pick your poison." Mercer's vial proved to be fatal. MLB Team Report - Atlanta Braves - NOTES, QUOTES RECORD: STREAK: Lost four NEXT: Braves (RHP Julio Teheran, 5-3, 4.67 ERA) at Pirates (RHP Charlie Morton, 5-1, 3.97 ERA) PLAYER NOTES: --RHP Sugar Ray Marimon was promoted from Triple-A Gwinnett as RHP Brandon Cunniff was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Marimon is in his third stint with the Braves this season and has allowed eight runs in 8 1/3 innings this season. --RHP Jason Grilli gave up the game-winning run on two hits and a walk in 1/3 of an inning to fall to 2-4 on the season. Grilli, who saved 33 games for the Pirates in 2013, faced his former team for the first time since he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels last year after posting a 4.87 ERA and blowing four saves. --3B Juan Uribe went 2-for-3 with a home run Friday, his fourth of the season. He hit his third home run with Atlanta since he was acquired by the Braves May 26, but his first since May CF Eury Perez went 2-for-5 Friday, the only player besides Uribe to collect multiple hits. Perez started in the outfield for the seventh time of the eight games he's played since he was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett June 18 and has hit.296 (8-for-27) in that span. --RHP Brandon Cunniff was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right groin strain. Cunniff was pitching with pain for the previous two weeks and aggravated the injury against Washington Thursday. RHP Sugar Ray Marimon was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett. --RHP Williams Perez was removed from Friday's game after he was hit in the left foot with a line drive. He was placed in a walking boot as a precaution and x-rays came back negative. He is questionable for his next start. QUOTE TO NOTE: "It did affect me after I got hit. I was a little scared, a little timid to get on that foot, and that caused me to be a little more erratic." -- Braves RHP Williams Perez, after taking line drive to foot vs. Pirates on Friday. MLB Team Report - Atlanta Braves - ROSTER REPORT MEDICAL WATCH: --RHP Brandon Cunniff (right groin strain) went on the 15-day disabled list June RHP Williams Perez (left foot) was removed June 26 after he was hit with a line drive. He was placed in a walking boot as a precaution and X-rays came back negative. He is questionable for his next start. --1B Freddie Freeman (right wrist contusion) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 18. He received a platelet-rich-plasma injection, according to MLB.com. --LHP Josh Outman (thoracic outlet syndrome) went on the 60-day disabled list April 6. He might need surgery, and the timetable for his return is unknown.

11 --RHP Daniel Winkler (Tommy John surgery in June 2014) went on the 60-day disabled list April 5. He might be able to return late in the season. --RHP Chris Withrow (Tommy John surgery in June 2014, back surgery in December 2014) went on the 60-day disabled list Feb. 21. He might be able to return in LHP Mike Minor (torn labrum in left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 2. He underwent season-ending surgery May RHP Shae Simmons (Tommy John surgery in February 2015) went on the 60-day disabled list Feb. 20. He will miss the entire season. --RHP Bronson Arroyo (Tommy John surgery in July 2014) went on the 60-day disabled list April 5. He was playing catch at 75 feet as spring training opened and threw a bullpen session June 2. There is no timetable for his return. Associated Press McCutchen hit by pitch, elbow injured as Pirates top Braves By WILL GRAVES (AP Sports Writer) PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Andrew McCutchen's left elbow is bruised, but not busted after getting hit by a pitch on Saturday. Still, the star center fielder for the Pirates is growing tired of becoming a target whenever he steps into the batter's box. ''Maybe I need to dropkick a pitcher,'' McCutchen said. ''Maybe that will scare them into not throwing at me.'' The 2013 NL MVP was kidding. Besides, his teammates had his back. Starling Marte got three hits and scored three times after McCutchen's departure, helping Pittsburgh to an 8-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Pittsburgh ripped off five runs in the first inning after McCutchen was plunked by a 92 mph fastball from Julio Teheran, an emphatic response after McCutchen was hit for the eighth time this season and the second time in as many nights. ''I'm not the only one ticked off,'' McCutchen said. ''We're all ticked off. It's not just me. It's anyone that gets hit and comes out of the game. That's something we don't like.'' Jordy Mercer, Francisco Cervelli and Pedro Alvarez each drove in two runs for Pittsburgh. Charlie Morton (6-1) pitched into the seventh to bounce back from a rough start in Washington last weekend. Teheran (5-4) gave up six runs in six innings, unraveling briefly after tagging McCutchen. ''I didn't know that my two-seamer was moving that much so it was the first one I threw in the game,'' Teheran said. ''I feel bad that I hit him. It's part of the game and you don't want that to affect you.'' McCutchen doesn't wear an elbow pad because of the way it inhibits his swing. He was doubled over for several moments after getting hit for the 48th time in his career. When the numbness persisted, he was helped off by trainers. X-rays were negative, but he is not certain if he will be able to start the series finale on Sunday. The play seemed to get Pittsburgh's attention. Marte singled home Neil Walker to give the Pirates the lead, and they were just getting started. Alvarez followed with a two-run double, Cervelli had an RBI single and Mercer drove in another run with a crisp single up the middle. ''I think it was a real nice push for our guys to answer in that fashion,'' Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. Morton, who was knocked around for nine runs in less than an inning by the Nationals in his previous start, was far crisper this time out. Staked to a sizable lead, Morton hit Andrelton Simmons in the foot in the second inning. Home plate umpire John Tumpane issued a warning to both dugouts. Things settled down quickly.

12 Nick Markakis had an RBI single for Atlanta in the third, but Marte scored on a delayed double steal - helped by a botched throw home from first baseman Joey Terdoslavich - to make it 6-1. It was the first steal of home by the Pirates since McCutchen did it against the Chicago Cubs on July 5, ''You've got to be bold and aggressive,'' Hurdle said. ''I don't believe in a safety break.'' Morton's control abandoned him in the seventh. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases with no outs, and Jace Peterson doubled to get Atlanta within 6-4, but the Braves would get no closer. PAINFUL NIGHT Williams Perez expected some discomfort the day after the rookie Atlanta pitcher took a liner off his left foot in the fifth inning on Friday night. X- rays revealed no fractures, and Perez put on a walking boot as a precaution. The boot helped. It just didn't prepare Perez for what awaited when he opened his eyes on Saturday. ''It was worse than I thought it was going to be,'' Perez said. While Perez felt he ''dodged a bullet,'' he couldn't avoid some unwanted time off. The Braves placed him on the 15-day DL and called up 27-yearold rookie reliever Jake Brigham from Triple-A Gwinnett. Manager Fredi Gonzalez isn't sure Perez needs the entire 15 days to heal from the bone bruise, but didn't want the Braves to be short a man for an extended period. Gonzalez isn't sure who will take Perez's spot in the rotation when it comes up again Thursday against Washington. UP NEXT The series wraps up Sunday when Atlanta's Alex Wood (4-5, 3.44 ERA) faces Jeff Locke (4-3, 4.73 ERA). Wood has lost three straight decisions, including a 3-0 defeat against the Pirates on June 7. The Braves have knocked around Locke at times. The left-hander is 1-1 with a 6.08 ERA in five starts against Atlanta. The lone victory was a 2-1 triumph on Oct. 1, 2012, that was Locke's first major league victory. Braves-Pirates Preview By JACK CASSIDY (STATS Writer) Andrew McCutchen's latest hit-by-pitch struck a nerve with the Pittsburgh Pirates. That's bad news for the Atlanta Braves, whose current losing streak is their longest of the season. Seeking their sixth home sweep, the Pirates may be without the former MVP Sunday afternoon as they try to send the Braves to a sixth straight defeat. McCutchen exited Saturday's contest in the first inning after taking a pitch off the left elbow. Pittsburgh responded with five runs immediately after McCutchen's injury en route to an 8-4 win in which Pedro Alvarez, Francisco Cervelli and Jordy Mercer each had a pair of RBIs. But even after the Pirates' 15th home win in their last 19 games, McCutchen didn't hide his feelings about being plunked for the eighth time this season and second in as many days. Pittsburgh batters have been hit a major league-high 40 times after leading baseball in that category the last two seasons. ''I'm not the only one ticked off,'' McCutchen said. ''We're all ticked off. It's not just me. It's anyone that gets hit and comes out of the game. That's something we don't like.'' X-rays were negative but McCutchen is questionable for the series finale. Manager Clint Hurdle certainly hopes he can keep that bat in the lineup, as McCutchen has reached safely in six straight while touting a.438 average with a homer and four doubles. "It is (frustrating), there's no doubt," Hurdle said. "It gets everybody a little bowed up." Even without McCutchen the Pirates' outfield still has Starling Marte, who continued his mastery of the Braves (35-40) with three hits and three runs on Saturday. Marte is 13 for 31 (.419) with nine RBIs in his last eight meetings with Atlanta.

13 The Braves now turn to Alex Wood (4-5, 3.44 ERA), who has lost his last three decisions starting with a 3-0 defeat against Pittsburgh (42-32) on June 7 in which he allowed three runs over five innings. The left-hander has a 1.18 WHIP in three career starts against the Pirates, but has received only four total runs of support while going 0-2. The Braves have been producing offensively at a similar clip over their last six games, scoring nine total runs. They're 3-10 on the road this month. Jace Peterson's slump had been the most notable of Atlanta's individual struggles, as the second baseman had gone 0 for 17 over his previous four games before breaking out with two hits and three RBIs Saturday. "This game is about confidence. Believe it or not, these guys live from at-bat to at-bat," manager Fredi Gonzalez told MLB's official website. "Here's a young guy that doesn't let anything else affect him.... Hopefully this will catapult him into a nice streak." Peterson could get his first look at Jeff Locke (4-3, 4.73), who allowed four runs in innings of a 5-4 Atlanta win on June 6. That lowered his ERA in five career starts against the Braves to The left-hander lasted only four innings Tuesday against Cincinnati, allowing 11 baserunners and four runs - two earned - before the Pirates rallied to win 7-6. Locke has been at his best at home, though, posting a 3.17 ERA that's in stark contrast to his 7.28 mark on the road. Chris Johnson is 5 for 12 with two homers and two doubles against Locke in his career, and his.388 average off lefties since 2013 is by far the best in the majors.