Sideline Report: Thursday, July 6, 2017

Braves starting pitcher Jaime Garcia (54) works against the Houston Astros Wednesday, July 5, 2017, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Braves starting pitcher Jaime Garcia (54) works against the Houston Astros Wednesday, July 5, 2017, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Here’s a few things to know on Thursday:

1. Astros clobber Braves, 10-4

Even with Freddie Freeman back on the field, the Atlanta Braves fell to the Houston Astros 10-4 on Wednesday night. The Braves tied the game 4-4 in the fifth inning with a two-run homerun by Ender Inciarte, but Atlanta was unable to match the six runs the Astros put up over the next four innings. The Braves travel to Washington D.C. to begin a four-game series with the Washington Nationals on Thursday. Thursday's matchup begins at 7:05 p.m.

2. Former UGA cornerback Sanders Commings released by Braves

Former UGA and Kansas City Chief defensive back Sanders Commings was released by the Braves organization over the long weekend.

3. Mike Foltynewicz eager to face Nationals

In his last game against the Nationals, Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz allowed 11 hits and eight runs over 3 1/3 innings. That being said, Folty is looking forward to the four-game series that begins on Thursday.

4. Atlanta Hawks are swimming in first-round picks 

Chris Vivlamore reports the Atlanta Hawks now have five first-round picks over the next two seasons. More information on which future NBA Draft picks the Hawks accumulated over the past few weeks can be read on the AJC.com.

5. Freddie Freeman reflects on his start at third base

Freddie Freeman recaps his first major league start at third base on Tuesday after missing 44 games with a broken wrist.