5 things to know about the Braves on Friday
In what may have been R.A. Dickey’s final home start, he pitched a gem. The Braves’ veteran knuckleballer went eight innings, allowing two runs in route to a 3-2 win over the Nationals.
Here’s the latest with the Braves, as they play begin their final home series of the season against the Phillies tonight:
1. Ender Inciarte, Tyler Flowers and Ozzie Albies, each with a minor injury, were in Thursday's lineup and proved crucial to the win.
2. Dickey almost broke down in tears during his postgame interview, calling it an "absolute privilege" to play for his childhood team.
3. As the first season of SunTrust Park winds down, the Braves are pushing for an All-Star game in the new venue in the near future. The midsummer classic hasn't been in Atlanta since 2000.
4. A.J. Minter has struck out eight of the past 11 he's faced. He has the look of a closer, and apparently the mindset too. He said his goal is to become the best pitcher in baseball.
5. The Braves think Mike Foltynewicz will miss his next scheduled start in New York on Monday. 'Folty' missed his last start with a lacerated finger. Max Fried and Lucas Sims are likely to start both games of the doubleheader.
About the Author
Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.
