Braves’ upcoming opponent: Miami Marlins
Braves' opponent: Miami Marlins
Keep an eye on: Dee Gordon. The Marlins' second baseman led the majors in batting average for much of the first half and had been named the National League's starting second baseman in the All-Star game when he dislocated his left thumb sliding into first base July 11. He wasn't able to play in the All-Star game but did return to action for the Marlins on July 28. He's just 5-for-26 (.192) since his return but was still batting .328 entering Wednesday, which was tied for third in the National League.
Who's hot: Christian Yelich is 10-for-32 (.313) over his past eight games, with two doubles, a homer and four RBIs.
Who's not: Catcher J.T. Realmuto is 1-for-18 (.056) over his past six games.
Braves connection: Martin Prado sprained his right shoulder after stumbling past first base trying to beat out an infield hit on June 14 and missed a month. He was hitting .273 in 18 games since his return entering Wednesday. Prado played nine game at second base in Gordon's absence and is now back at third base. Former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Darren Dietrich has begun playing some left field to maximize his chances to get in the lineup. He was the Marlins' opening day second baseman in 2014 and has also played third.
In the news: Giancarlo Stanton is still working his way back from June 29 surgery on a broken bone in his left hand and still feeling some pain hitting off a tee. Stanton was initially expected to be out four to six weeks but now there's no timetable for his return. When he got hurt, Stanton was leading the majors in home runs (27) and RBIs (67). The Marlins traded the likes of closer Steve Cishek, starters Dan Haren and Mat Latos, and first baseman Michael Morse, at the deadline in an effort to pick up prospects and continue building toward the future.
