Braves' opponent: Boston Red Sox

Keep an eye on: A testy team. First Wade Miley got into a dugout confrontation with manager John Farrell after he was lifted from Thursday night's game. Then on Friday, the Red Sox blew a seven-run lead to the Blue Jays to fall eight games under .500. The Braves had lost five in a row entering Sunday. Free agent signee Pablo Sandoval has largely been a disappointment so far hitting just .251 through 55 games and playing shoddy defense. And Big Papi, David Ortiz, is hitting .226 on the season and just went 69 at-bats between home runs when he hit one Thursday, his longest home run drought in four years.

Who's hot: Sandoval was 8-for-23 (.348) with two doubles, a home run and six RBIs in his previous six games entering Sunday.

Who's not: Mike Napoli was 1-for-his-past-20 with 10 strikeouts after striking out with the bases loaded in the eighth inning Friday night and hasn't started since.

Braves connection: Reliever Anthony Varvaro, who signed with the Red Sox this past offseason, was designated for assignment on April 29 after posting a 4.09 ERA in nine games. He was claimed off waivers by the Cubs and then designated for assignment by them as well.

In the news: Center fielder Mookie Betts sprained his lower back Friday night running into the bullpen wall at Fenway Park trying to make a catch. He is considered day-to-day but did not start Saturday or Sunday.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Honorary VIP guests Roger Cador (from left), Andre Dawson, Ken Griffey Sr. and Dusty Baker chat before the start of HBCU Swingman Classic at Truist Park on Tuesday, July 11, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC