Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla is career .406 hitter against Minnesota hurler Mike Pelfrey.
Insight: Uggla has eight home runs, including one on Monday, and 55 strikeouts in 40 games, but then you knew what you were getting when you drafted him - the second base version of Adam Dunn. Start him in this favorable matchup.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann is a career .462 hitter (18-for-39) with a pair of home runs and a 1.354 OPS against Minnesota right-hander Mike Pelfrey.
Insight: Despite the lack of any spring training work, McCann has posted solid power numbers in his first 11 games - 3 HR, .835 OPS. Make sure he's in your lineup for this favorable matchup.
Description: Atlanta lefthander Eric O'Flaherty will go under the knife Tuesday for Tommy John surgery. SOURCE: David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: O'Flaherty was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow over the weekend. He went 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA in 19 appearances before the injury.
Description: Diamondbacks 3B/OF Martin Prado is a .350 hitter in 40 at-bats against Miami starter Ricky Nolasco.
Insight: Prado played for the Braves for several years and faced Nolasco plenty of times. He's hitting .288 this month after batting .217 in April, but his OPS this month is just .683.
Description: Braves starter Kris Medlen limited the Dodgers to two hits and one unearned run Saturday in a no decision against the Dodgers.
Insight: Medlen (1-5) hasn't been as sharp as he was last year, when he went 10-1 and had a 1.57 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP and a 120/23 K/BB in 138 innings. He has a 3.02 ERA in 56 2/3 innings, but he has allowed 53 hits, walked 22 and struck out 38.
Description: Braves reliever Eric O'Flaherty's MRI revealed a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman.
Insight: Atlanta had a dynamic bullpen in 2011 with Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty posting a combined 1.66 ERA in 238 2/3 innings, but two of those guys have gone down with torn UCLs. Venters just had Tommy John surgery this week, and O'Flaherty will follow.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla is a .182 hitter (4-for-22) against Los Angeles starter Chris Capuano with 13 strikeouts.
Insight: Uggla has seven home runs, but 53 strikeouts in 37 games. The single season strikeout record is 223 set by Mark Reynolds in 2009 and Uggla is on a pace to get close to this unwanted record. Avoid this matchup.
Description: Braves outfielder Justin Upton is a career .357 hitter versus Dodgers left-hander Chris Capuano with three extra base hits and a 1.186 OPS.
Insight: Upton started the season with a bang, suffered through a two week lull, but has started to pound the ball again. He's posted a 1.200 OPS over the past five games including a grand slam last night. This is a favorable matchup.
Description: Atlanta relief pitcher Jordan Walden has been moved to the 15-day disabled list.
Insight: Walden has inflammation in his right shoulder. He hasn't recorded a save yet in 2013. Even when Walden is healthy, there's no reason to own him in fantasy.
Description: Atlanta right fielder Jason Heyward has been activated in time for Friday's game with the Dodgers.
Insight: When we last left Heyward he was struggling mightily with the bat (.121, 2 HR, 5 RBI in 17 games). Hopefully, he will find his swing quickly as he has as much talent as any outfielder.
Description: According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Braves reliever Jonny Venters underwent Tommy John surgery Thursday for the second time in eight years.
Insight: In retrospect, throwing Venters for 83 innings in 2010 and 88 innings in 2011 may not have been the best idea. He has dealt with elbow trouble since last season.
Description: Braves starter Tim Hudson has allowed 16 hits and 11 earned runs over 8 2/3 innings his last two starts.
Insight: Hudson has been terrible with men on base this season, serving up line drives over a 22 percent rate and stranding just 64.9 percent. He also has allowed six homers in 51 innings. The right-hander has stranded runners at a 73.8 percent rate and allowed 0.71 HR/9 in his career, so this is out of the ordinary.
Description: Braves right-hander Brandon Beachy, who underwent Tommy John surgery last June, will make his first rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Gwinnett, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: If all goes well for Beachy, he'll be back in late-June. He went 7-3 with a 3.68 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 141 2/3 innings in 2011 and was 5-5 with a 2.00 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP at the time of his injury last year, so he's worth stashing on the DL.
Description: Braves center fielder B.J. Upton is not in the starting lineup Tuesday due to a bruised left shoulder. SOURCE: David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: Upton was hit in the left shoulder by a pitch Monday and had to leave the game. However, his shoulder was not as sore Tuesday as he anticipated and he should be back in the lineup Wednesday.
Description: Braves center fielder B.J. Upton left Monday night's game with Arizona after being hit with a pitch by starter Wade Miley.
Insight: The injury appears to be a left shoulder contusion. While brother Justin Upton has been a fantasy stud this season, B.J. has struggled batting .153 heading into tonight's action. Jordan Schafer will likely get Upton's at-bats until he is ready to return and could end up sharing time in center.
Description: Updating a previous report, Atlanta right fielder Jason Heyward probably won't return to the big leagues until Friday. SOURCE: David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: He's still trying to find his swing down in Triple-A. Heyward hit the DL in late April after an appendectomy.
Description: Atlanta lefthander Jonny Venters is scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews on Thursday. SOURCE: David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: Venters is on the fence about Tommy John surgery and the decision will probably be made Thursday after his visit with Andrews. Even if he chooses not to have surgery, Venters isn't anywhere close to a return.
Description: Braves 3B Chris Johnson left Saturday's game against San Francisco with a bruised right knee and didn't play on Sunday.
Insight: After a quick start (he was batting .438 as of April 18), Johnson has stumbled of late and is batting just .077 over the past 14 days (eight games). At this point fantasy owners should look elsewhere for third base help.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla is hitless in 10 at-bats over his career against San Francisco starter Tim Lincecum with six strikeouts.
Insight: Uggla has seven home runs, but 49 strikeouts in 34 games which means he's on pace for 31 homers and 221 strikeouts. The single season strikeout record is 223 set by Mark Reynolds in 2009.
Description: Braves 3B Chris Johnson left Saturday's game against San Francisco with a bruised right knee and is questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.
Insight: After a quick start (he was batting .438 as of April 18), Johnson has stumbled of late and is batting just .077 over the past 14 days (eight games).
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann is not in Saturday's starting lineup versus the San Francisco Giants.
Insight: Despite the lack of any spring training work, McCann is off to a hot start, batting .308 with a home run and five RBI in his first three games. He'll likely get a day or two rest each week until he builds up his stamina.
Description: Braves reliever Jonny Venters threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Friday, one day after having to cancel his session due to soreness in his elbow. SOURCE: David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: Thursday was Venters' first time on the mound since having a platelet-rich plasma injection in April. He admitted Friday that he is still sore, but said the ball came out of his hand great. He'll be reevaluated Saturday.
Description: Braves outfielder Justin Upton is a career .571 hitter versus Giants left-hander Madison Bumgarner with a 1.524 OPS.
Insight: Upton started the season with a bang, but hasn't hit a home run in two weeks. Despite that, he still leads the NL in homers, total bases and runs scored. This is a favorable matchup.
Description: Braves reliever Jonny Venters had to shut it down halfway through his scheduled 15- to 20-pitch bullpen session Thursday due to soreness in his elbow. SOURCE: David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: Obviously, that's a terrible sign. It was Venters' first time on the mound since having a platelet-rich plasma injection in April.
Description: Braves right-hander Brandon Beachy, who underwent Tommy John surgery last June, could begin his minor league rehab assignment next Wednesday or Thursday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Insight: If all goes well for Beachy, he'll be back in mid-June. He went 7-3 with a 3.68 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 141 2/3 innings in 2011 and was 5-5 with a 2.00 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP at the time of his injury last year, so he's worth stashing on the DL.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward (appendectomy) could be activated Monday against Arizona, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: Heyward underwent an emergency appendectomy on April 22. He'll spend the weekend with Triple-A Gwinnett but he's getting close to a return.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward will begin his rehab assignment on Thursday with Gwinnett, according to the team's website. He is recovering from an emergency appendectomy.
Insight: A return to the big club could happen sometime next week if there are no setbacks. Perhaps while down at Triple-A, in addition to getting healthy, hopefully he finds his swing. Before the illness, he was batting .121 with an ugly .519 OPS.
Description: Braves outfielder Justin Upton was given his first day off this season after playing in Atlanta's first 32 games.
Insight: Upton has been a fantasy stud, batting .278 with a league-leading 12 homers, 21 RBI and a 1.019 OPS. Brother B.J. Upton also has the afternoon off.
Description: Braves 3B Chris Johnson sat out Tuesday to avoid a bad matchup, but should be back at the hot corner against Cincinnati starter Mike Leake as he owns a 1.119 OPS with a pair of home runs against the Reds' right-hander.
Insight: Johnson's average is coming back to reality after an extremely hot start (he was batting .438 as of April 18). He's currently hitting .323, but is hitless in his last 12 at-bats which should temper your excitement.
Description: Braves 3B Chris Johnson is hitless in nine at-bats versus Reds starter Homer Bailey including five strikeouts.
Insight: Johnson's average is coming back to reality after an extremely hot start (he was batting .438 as of April 18). He's currently hitting .323, but is hitless in his last 12 at-bats. Avoid, avoid, avoid.
Description: Atlanta shortstop Andrelton Simmons had a big night Monday against Cincinnati.
Insight: Simmons went 3-for-4 with two homers and four RBI. He's now smashed five hits in his last two contests after recording just one in his previous three.
Description: Evan Gattis got the start in left field Monday night against the Reds.
Insight: Gattis (.263, 7 HR, 19 RBI) had never played outfield at the major league level until tonight. Brian McCann's return has complicated things a bit for Gattis but he still has a chance to be an everyday player while Jason Heyward is out.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann, who has been activated from the disabled list, is coming back just in time for an extremely favorable matchup with Reds starter Bronson Arroyo. He's a career .500 hitter (9-for-18) with four home runs and a 1.792 OPS.
Insight: Despite the lack of any spring training work, McCann should be given a shot in all fantasy lineups on Monday. He had shoulder surgery in the offseason after playing through an injury all year and struggling at the plate. He's always been one of the top hitting catchers in fantasy, though he may split time with Evan Gattis this year.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann has been activated from the disabled list and will be available for Monday's game with Cincinnati.
Insight: McCann had shoulder surgery in the offseason after playing through an injury all year and struggling at the plate. Although he's always been one of the top hitting catchers in fantasy, the presence of Evan Gattis (7 HR, 18 RBI) may take some value away from McCann this season.
Description: Atlanta third baseman Juan Francisco (ankle) is not ready to return to the lineup, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: Francisco is dealing with a mild right ankle sprain and is day-to-day. However, he felt better Sunday and could return to the lineup early this week.
Description: Atlanta third baseman Juan Francisco injured his ankle Friday against the Mets and is doubtful for Saturday's game.
Insight: It looked a lot worse than the diagnosis which is a mild sprain and day-to-day status. Chris Johnson should get most of the playing time (.352, 2 HR, 9 RBI, .874 OPS) and could be a solid fantasy option.
Description: Braves 1B/3B Chris Johnson has picked up just one hit in 12 at-bats against Mets starter Shaun Marcum, who will be on the hill Friday.
Insight: That includes five strikeouts. Johnson's average is slowly coming back to reality after a hot start. He's hitting .352 but has been extremely fortunate with a .446 BABIP.
Description: Braves center fielder B.J. Upton is 0-for-11 over his last four games and 1-for-22 over his last seven.
Insight: Upton's whole season really has been one long slump, but it seems to be getting worse. His average sunk to .134 Thursday, and we're three at-bats away from a 100 at-bat sample size.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward's recovery from an emergency appendectomy is going better than he expected and he is hoping to return sooner than late-May. SOURCE: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: Heyward is planning to take dry swings Saturday, two days ahead of when he initially planned to start doing baseball activities. On April 29, Heyward said he was hoping to be back by late-May, but he expects to return sooner now. "I hope I don’t have to wait that long," Heyward said. "I’d be disappointed if I had to be out that long."
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman went 3-for-5 with three RBI Tuesday versus Washington.
Insight: Freeman came in 5-for-25 (.200) with two RBI in seven games since returning from a strained oblique, but he raised his season average to .319 Tuesday.
Description: Braves starter Tim Hudson dominated the Nationals over seven innings Tuesday, allowing three hits and one run, walking two and striking out six to move to 3-1.
Insight: Hudson improved to 16-5 with a 2.55 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in his career against the Nationals (28 starts). He has a 3.86 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP this season, and four of his six turns were quality starts.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann is looking to return to the big league club on May 6 against the Reds, according to MLB.com. McCann started his minor league rehab assignment Friday.
Insight: McCann had shoulder surgery in the offseason after playing through an injury all season and struggling at the plate. He is scheduled to play one more game with Class-A Rome on Wednesday and then will play at least four games for Triple-A Gwinnett starting Thursday. He'll need to prove he can handle catching duties on consecutive days before he is recalled.
Description: Braves righty Julio Teheran allowed only two runs Monday against Washington, but he gave up 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Insight: Teheran has given up three earned over his last 12 1/3 innings despite allowing 18 hits in that span. While those are better results than his first three starts, they're just not good enough to convince fantasy owners to hold onto him. Through five starts, he has a 5.08 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP and has struck out 20 batters in 28 1/3 innings.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward is still without a timetable, but he's hoping to rejoin the team no later than the end of May. SOURCE: David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: Heyward underwent an appendectomy last Monday, and said he's not going to risk rushing back to the lineup.
Description: Braves outfielder Justin Upton is hitless in eight at-bats versus Nationals flame thrower Stephen Strasburg.
Insight: Upton is the No. 1 hitter in fantasy, batting .307 with a league-leading 12 homers, 18 RBI and a 1.171 OPS. Unfortunately, it seems that Strasburg has his number. No sane fantasy owners should take Upton out of their lineup, just don't expect much production on Monday.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is a career .450 hitter (9-for-20) with a pair of home runs and eight RBI against Washington ace Stephen Strasburg.
Insight: The second-base version of Adam Dunn has seen his batting average drop to .160 with four homers, 12 base on balls and 31 strikeouts in 75 at-bats. Those are tough numbers to overcome even with a favorable matchup.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann will begin his minor league rehab assignment Friday at Single-A Rome but he's still about two weeks away from seeing a big league at bat. SOURCE: David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: McCann had shoulder surgery in the offseason and though his recovery is going well, the Braves aren't taking any chances with their franchise catcher. If the two-week timetable is accurate, McCann could be back for the beginning of Atlanta's series against the Giants on May 9th.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann's shoulder/wrist injury will begin a rehab assignment on Friday, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Insight: The six-time All-Star catcher is coming off his worst season -- .230, 20 homers, 67 RBIs, .698 OPS. Fantasy owners who have stayed patient should ultimately be rewarded.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is a career .400 hitter with a pair of home runs and six RBI against Detroit starter Anibal Sanchez.
Insight: The second-base version of Adam Dunn is batting .185 with four homers with 12 base on balls and 24 strikeouts in 65 at-bats. Those are tough numbers to overcome even with a favorable matchup.
Description: Braves righty Julio Teheran had his best start of the season Tuesday at Colorado, going seven innings and allowing eight hits and one run. He struck out three and didn't walk a batter to pick up his first win of the season.
Insight: Teheran's strong spring didn't carry over to his first three starts -- he allowed 21 hits and 13 earned runs and walked seven batters in 16 innings -- but he is worth holding onto for a few more starts after Tuesday's effort.
Description: Atlanta flamethrower Craig Kimbrel blew his first save of the 2013 campaign Wednesday in a loss at Colorado.
Insight: Take it easy, fantasy owners. Before Wednesday, Kimbrel hadn't given up a run all season. He still leads the majors in saves (eight) and we wouldn't expect too many more bumps in the road like this going forward.
Description: Atlanta shortstop Andrelton Simmons is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Colorado. Just a rest day for a guy who played both ends of yesterday's doubleheader in 25 degree weather.
Insight: Simmons is batting just .212. The 23-year-old started off as the leadoff hitter but he was moved to seventh in the fifth game of the season and will likely stay in the bottom half of the Braves potent lineup.
Description: Braves catcher Evan Gattis smashed his sixth homer of the season Tuesday at Colorado.
Insight: Gattis has cooled off after hitting .391 over his first six games, but he is keeping up his power numbers. He'll be a solid catching option until Brian McCann returns to action next month.
Description: Braves outfielder Justin Upton took Rockies starter Jeff Francis deep in the first inning Tuesday for his 10th homer of the season.
Insight: Upton has gone 6-for-32 (.188) over his last nine games, but four of his hits were home runs. He's leading the big leagues in that category, but the on-base struggles of the hitters in front of him have limited him to 14 RBIs.
Description: Atlanta Braves backup outfielder Reed Johnson should get a start when Jon Garland is on the hill for the Rockies in the first game of a doubleheader as he's a career .615 hitter (8-for-13) in their matchups.
Insight: Johnson (.125) is likely to start with Jason Heyward sidelined due to appendectomy surgery on Monday.
Description: Braves outfielder Justin Upton is a career .364 hitter (8-for-22) with a pair of homers and a 1.028 OPS against Colorado lefty Jeff Francis.
Insight: Upton's home run pace has slowed a bit, with just one homer in his last five games, but he still owns a major-league leading nine long balls. He's been more than fantasy owners could have hoped for with his offseason change of scenery yet has the talent to play at this pace all season long. He's a must start on Tuesday (weather permitting).
Description: Braves center fielder B.J. Upton, unlike his brother, has never had any success against Colorado starter Jeff Francis. He's hitless in six career at-bats against Francis with four strikeouts.
Insight: Upton is off to a slow start, batting just 167 with a .550 OPS over 17 games and 66 at-bats. Avoid Tuesday's matchup.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward will miss an undisclosed amount of time after appendectomy surgery on Monday in Denver.
Insight: Heyward is batting .121 this season and perhaps this explains part of the problem. We expect big things from the Braves' 23-year-old who pounded 27 HR and knocked in 82 last season.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (strained right oblique) is expected to be activated for Monday when Atlanta opens a series in Colorado.
Insight: Freeman said his oblique "felt fine" and fantasy owners will want to get him in the lineup immediately as he'll be playing three games in the light air of Colorado. He's a career .406 hitter with a 1.349 OPS at Coors Field.
Description: Braves center fielder B.J. Upton, unlike his brother, has never had any success against Colorado starter Jeff Francis. He's hitless in six career at-bats against Francis with four strikeouts.
Insight: Upton is off to a slow start, batting just 167 with a .550 OPS over 17 games and 66 at-bats. Avoid Monday's matchup.
Description: Braves outfielder Justin Upton is a career .364 hitter (8-for-22) with a pair of homers and a 1.028 OPS against Colorado lefty Jeff Francis.
Insight: Upton's home run pace has slowed a bit, with just one homer in his last five games, but he still owns a major-league leading nine long balls. He's been more than fantasy owners could have hoped for with his offseason change of scenery yet has the talent to play at this pace all season long. He's a must start on Monday.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward will get Sunday's game off with left-hander Jonathan Sanchez on the hill for Pittsburgh.
Insight: That's disappointing, considering Sanchez has been one of the worst pitchers in the big leagues since last year. Heyward is batting .121 this season, but he has two homers and eight walks.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla will miss Sunday's game due to a left calf strain.
Insight: He exited Saturday's game with the injury. Uggla is batting .161 with three homers and 20 strikeouts. Going back to June 6 of last season, Uggla has just 69 hits (12 homers) in his last 380 at-bats, a .182 batting average, with 128 strikeouts in that span.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla left Saturday's game with a left calf strain, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Insight: Uggla came into Saturday's game with just nine hits in 55 at-bats (.164). He's a borderline fantasy player at this point, especially after hitting .220 with just 19 homers in 523 at-bats last year. He's day-to-day.
Description: Braves 1B/3B Chris Johnson is 16-for-30 (.533) with two homers and seven RBIs over his last seven games.
Insight: Johnson has been playing every day at first base with Freddie Freeman on the DL, but Freeman is expected to be activated Monday. Johnson will re-enter a third base platoon with Juan Francisco, who is batting .318 with three homers. It's a good problem for the Braves, but a bad one for fantasy owners.
Description: Braves center fielder B.J. Upton went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo homer Thursday against the Pirates.
Insight: Upton is off to a miserable start, but he is showing some signs of life. He has five hits, three doubles, a homer and a 2/2 K/BB over his last four games.
Description: Braves right-hander Julio Teheran's dominant spring has not carried over to the regular season. He has a 7.31 ERA and 1.75 WHIP through three starts.
Insight: Teheran has walked seven batters and allowed five homers in 16 innings, but he also has had some bad luck in first innings this year. In his first start, Jason Heyward lost a ball in the lights for a leadoff double, and in his second start, Chris Johnson threw the ball away on a play that was ruled an infield single. And Thursday, Andrew McCutchen's broken bat bloop to right field barely eluded a diving Heyward's glove for a one-out double. He hasn't been good by any stretch of the imagination, but he still has potential to help fantasy teams soon. However, he's running out of time.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (strained right oblique) will begin his minor league rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Gwinnett, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: Freeman said his oblique "felt fine" while taking 30 swings on Tuesday, and he made it through a workout Thursday without issue. He should be able to rejoin the team on Monday in Colorado.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann's wrist injury has been described as minor, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. He should begin catching in extended spring training games Thursday or Friday.
Insight: McCann is trying to come back from the shoulder surgery he had last October, and the there was some concern that his recovery would be delayed by a wrist injury. The six-time All-Star catcher is coming off his worst season -- .230, 20 homers, 67 RBIs, .698 OPS -- but we believe the ailing shoulder was the culprit, not a loss of skills. Fantasy owners who stay patient should ultimately be rewarded.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (strained right oblique) will work out with Triple-A Gwinnett Thursday, and if all goes well, he will begin a three-game rehab stint Friday and be activated Monday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Insight: Freeman said his oblique "felt fine" while taking 30 swings on Tuesday. He actually suffered the injury during a workout before Opening Day but played in five games before the team shut him down to prevent a muscle tear.
Description: One of the hottest hitters in the International League is Braves minor league first baseman Ernesto Mejia, who is batting .341 with seven homers, 15 RBI and a 1.274 OPS in 12 games.
Insight: It's unlikely he'll be jumping to Atlanta anytime soon as the Braves chose to use Chris Johnson at first and Juan Francisco at third base when Freddie Freeman injured his oblique.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) was expected to test his shoulder in some extended spring training action, but a sore right wrist might delay its start.
Insight: The six-time All-Star catcher is coming off his worst season -- .230, 20 homers, 67 RBIs, .698 OPS -- but we believe the ailing shoulder was the culprit, not a loss of skills. Fantasy owners who stay patient should ultimately be rewarded.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward went 1-for-4 Tuesday against the Royals, but the one hit was a solo homer.
Insight: Heyward is 5-for-43 (.116) in 13 games, but he does have two homers, a double and an 8/7 K/BB. He has been getting under the ball more than usual -- 54.3 percent flyball rate this year, 33 percent career flyball rate -- and is hitting under .100 on balls in play.
Description: Atlanta starter Kris Medlen held the Royals to six hits and two runs (one earned) in seven innings Tuesday.
Insight: Medlen walked none and struck out five Tuesday after posting a 4/6 K/BB over his first two starts. The right-hander is 1-1 with a 1.42 ERA and 1.11 WHIP after three starts.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (strained right oblique) took swings Tuesday for the first time since being placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 7. SOURCE: AJC.com
Insight: Freeman said the oblique "felt fine" while taking 30 swings. He actually suffered the injury during a workout before Opening Day but played in five games before the team shut him down. The team opted to go that route because it didn't want to risk Freeman tearing the muscle. He should be able to return next week.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is hitless in six career at-bats versus Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie with four stikeouts.
Insight: Uggla is an ugly 7-for-41 this season (.171) with a pair of homers, nine base on balls and 15 strikeouts. He's the second base version of Adam Dunn - home run, strikeout or walk. Avoid today's matchup.
Description: Atlanta starter Paul Maholm extended his scoreless innings streak to 20 1/3 with Sunday's dominant effort versus Washington.
Insight: Maholm is 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 0.79 WHIP this year. The left-hander posted a 3.66 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 351 1/3 innings in 2011-12, and he'll likely wind up somewhere in that range again in 2013.
Description: Atlanta shortstop Andrelton Simmons hit a three-run homer off Nationals lefty Gio Gonzalez Sunday afternoon.
Insight: Simmons is batting .211, and this was his first homer of the 2013 season. The 23-year-old started off as the leadoff hitter but he was moved to seventh in the fifth game of the season.
Description: Braves outfielder Justin Upton went 1-for-3 with a solo homer, two runs and two walks Sunday against the Nationals.
Insight: That makes seven bombs in 12 games. Of Upton's 16 hits this season, 11 have been extra-base hits, but he only has 11 RBIs due to the struggles of B.J. Upton and Jason Heyward in front of him.
Description: Braves center fielder B.J. Upton came into Sunday's game with a .091 average against Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez and a .105 average on the season, but he went 3-for-5 with two doubles and two runs.
Insight: Upton didn't strike out in the game after fanning 14 times in his first 38 at-bats.
Description: If you're looking to start an Upton brother on Sunday, make sure it's not B.J. The Braves center fielder is hitting .091 for his career against Nationals lefthander Gio Gonzalez.
Insight: Gonzalez has struck out Upton four times in 11 encounters. Upton is off to a poor start with just four hits in his first 38 at bats this year. He'll bust out of this slump eventually but until he does, we'd hesitate to start Upton in fantasy.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is the rare hitter who has had success against Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg, batting .471 (8-for-17) with a pair of homers and a 1.491 OPS.
Insight: Uggla is 6-for-33 this season with a pair of homers and 12 strikeouts, but he has a favorable matchup on Saturday. He's the second base version of Adam Dunn - home run, strikeout or walk.
Description: Diamondbacks 3B/OF Martin Prado is an ugly 1-for-15 (.067) against Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw.
Insight: Prado is batting .373 with a homer, four RBIs and 10 runs through nine games. With Prado, Paul Goldschmidt, Miguel Montero and Jason Kubel all batting .200 or less against Kershaw all Diamondbacks players should probably be avoided on Friday.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is hitless in 10 at-bats versus Nationals' starter Ross Detwiler with three strikeouts and four walks.
Insight: Uggla is 6-for-30 this season with a pair of homers and 11 strikeouts. He's the second base version of Adam Dunn - home run, strikeout or walk.
Description: Braves outfielder Jordan Schafer went ballistic Wednesday in a win over Miami (4-for-5 with a stolen base).
Insight: The good news is that Schafer is hitting .667 this season. The bad news is, he's only played three times and is unlikely to see regular at bats with the Upton brothers and Jason Heyward occupying Atlanta's three outfield positions. Unless one of those players gets hurt, Schafer won't be a relavant fantasy figure in 2013.
Description: Braves catcher Evan Gattis hit a three-run homer Wednesday against the Marlins and finished 2-for-4.
Insight: Gattis is 9-for-23 with three homers and six RBIs in six games this season. He'll start the majority of Atlanta's games until Brian McCann (shoulder surgery) returns to the lineup in May.
Description: Braves starter Mike Minor held the Marlins scoreless on five hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings Wednesday night to win his second straight start.
Insight: Minor went 7-4 with a 2.21 ERA and a 73/18 K/BB over his final 93 2/3 innings last season after getting hammered for a 6.20 ERA over his first 85 2/3 innings. He has picked up where he left off, allowing just 10 hits and one run, walking one and striking out 12 over 13 innings.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward was not in Tuesday's starting lineup. Reed Johnson started in right field.
Insight: Heyward is getting the night off, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He's just 2-for-24 with seven strikeouts this season but he has walked four times and scored five runs.
Description: Atlanta left fielder Justin Upton has just two hits off Miami starter Wade LeBlanc in 16 career at-bats (.125) and struck out four times.
Insight: If the season ended today, Upton would be the front runner for MVP with a .423 batting average, a league-leading six homers, and a 1.641 OPS. As hot as he is, you can't take him out of the lineup, just don't expect the home run barrage to continue on Tuesday.
Description: Atlanta starter Paul Maholm still hasn't given up a run this season.
Insight: He surrendered just one hit over seven innings Monday against the Marlins. In 12 2/3 innings this season, Maholm has struck out 13 batters while walking just four. His next start is scheduled for Sunday against Washington.
Description: Atlanta left fielder Justin Upton rebounded from a tough outing Sunday (0-for-4, four strikeouts) by going 4-for-4 Monday in a win against Miami.
Insight: He's hitting .423 for the season and he leads the majors with six homers in seven games. If the season ended today, Upton would be the front runner for MVP.
Description: Atlanta shortstop Andrelton Simmons will bat eighth Monday in his return to the starting lineup.
Insight: He missed two games this weekend while dealing with a thumb injury. Simmons has breakout potential but he's only hitting .176 through his first five games.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman.
Insight: Freeman says he suffered the oblique strain last Sunday but has played through it and is upset the Braves have opted to place him on the DL. Oblique strains can linger for 3-4 weeks, but this one should only keep Freeman out for the minimum amount of time. He is 7-for-17 with one homer and seven RBIs this season and should resume his expected breakout season in two weeks. Chris Johnson will handle first base duties in the interim.
Description: It has been a chore for Diamondbacks 3B/OF Martin Prado to hit against Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo. Prado is 3-for-18 (.167) with zero RBIs against Gallardo.
Insight: Prado is batting .308 with a homer, four RBIs and six runs through five games. He has been batting second in front of second baseman Aaron Hill.
Description: Braves outfielder B.J. Upton tied Saturday's game against the Cubs with a solo home run and finished 2-for-4.
Insight: Upton came into the game searching for his first hit of the season. He had struck out in nine of his 14 at-bats this season, but he had a great moment with his brother Saturday, as Justin hit a walkoff solo blast two batters after B.J. tied it.
Description: Braves right-hander Julio Teheran had a rough first outing Saturday against the Cubs, allowing five runs on eight hits in five innings. He walked one and struck out two.
Insight: Teheran led the majors in strikeouts this spring to reestablish his status as a top prospect. He had some bad luck early, as he gave up a double to the leadoff batter after Jason Heyward lost a flyball in the lights, but he also allowed two no-doubt home runs and two doubles. We'll give him a few more starts.
Description: Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons will miss Saturday's game with a left thumb sprain.
Insight: Simmons played the entire game on Friday so isn't expected to be a long-term problem. He is hitless in his last two games, so it may be more just a day off than serious injury. He's batting .176, but does have four runs scored.
Description: Braves outfielder B.J. Upton is just 1-for-11 (.091) against Cubs starter Scott Feldman with four strikeouts.
Insight: Upton was hitless with seven strikeouts in 11 at-bats in the opening series with Philadelphia and this matchup doesn't figure to get him started. Sit him.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman torched the Phillies for two more hits Wednesday in a 9-2 victory.
Insight: Freeman's bases clearing double in the bottom of the fourth put the Braves ahead 7-0. He also had three base knocks in the season opener on Monday. We wouldn't expect him to hit .714 for the rest of the season but it's definitely good to see Freeman get off to a nice start.
Description: Braves southpaw Paul Maholm left Wednesday's outing with an ERA of zero.
Insight: Maholm surrendered a mere six hits in 5 2/3 shutout innings. He fanned six while walking just one. So far so good for fantasy owners. He'll face the Marlins in his next start Monday in Miami.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is a career .324 hitter with three homers against Phillies right-hander Roy Halladay.
Insight: Uggla opened the season with a homer and a couple of runs scored. You know what you are going to get when you put Uggla in your fantasy lineup - a huge strikeout total and usually 30-plus homers. He's a good fantasy option on Wednesday.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is a career .467 hitter against Phillies ace Roy Halladay (7-for-15) with three homers, nine RBI and a 1.567 OPS.
Insight: He went 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBI in the season opener while Halladay has struggled to find his game for most of spring training. Freeman is a must start on Wednesday.
Description: Atlanta Braves setup man Jonny Venters (15-day DL) saw Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday and the good news is that he won't need surgery. The bad news is that he'll be shut down for a month.
Insight: Dr. Andrews gave him a platelet-rich plasma injection in his sore elbow. He's likely out for close to two months before we see him back in a Braves game.
Description: Atlanta Braves setup man Jonny Venters (15-day DL) will see Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday.
Insight: He's out with a left elbow sprain and the results from the doctor's visit should tell us whether he'll be gone for a couple of weeks or a year. CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reported Monday that the best-case scenario is that he'll be sidelined for one month.
Description: Arizona third baseman Martin Prado is just 1-for-12 (.083) against Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia.
Insight: Prado is still struggling to find his swing, batting just .214 this spring. He has hit .300 or better in four of his last five seasons and should be able to improve on his 10 homers from 2012 since he'll be playing half his games at hitter-friendly Chase Field.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman rounded the bases for his first home run of the season Monday in a win over the Phillies.
Insight: He went 3-for-4 on the night. Many are predicting a breakout season for Freeman in 2013. He'll have the day off Tuesday before the Braves take the field again Wednesday against Roy Halladay.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla has 18 strikeouts in 55 at-bats against Phillies opening day starter Cole Hamels. He does own eight hits including a pair of homers in the matchup.
Insight: You know what you are going to get when you put Uggla in your fantasy lineup - a huge strikeout total and usually 30-plus homers. Last season, however, he managed just 19 homers which made him a fantasy liability, not an asset. We would take a wait-and-see attitude with the Braves' second baseman.
Description: Atlanta setup man Jonny Venters has been placed on the 15-day DL.
Insight: He's out with a left elbow sprain. He'll get his elbow looked at by James Andrews later this week. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect Venters to be back anytime soon.
Description: Braves reliever Jonny Venters is scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews sometime next week. Venters left Tuesday's game against Detroit with a left elbow sprain.
Insight: That leaves Atlanta without its setup man for the season opener next week against the Phillies. Anytime a player goes to see Dr. Andrews, it's usually a pretty bad sign. Let's just hope Venters doesn't need Tommy John surgery.
Description: After sitting on the sidelines for two weeks, Braves setup man Jonny Venters faced five batters, giving up two hits, two walks and three runs and left Tuesday's exhibition game with a left elbow sprain.
Insight: Venters dealt with elbow problems last season, so this is a huge red flag for fantasy owners. He exploded onto the scene in 2011, going 6-2 with a 1.84 ERA, 1.091 WHIP, 99 Ks and five saves in 88 IP, but stumbled last season (5-4, 3.22 ERA, 1.517 WHIP). At this point you should avoid him.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) got a couple of at-bats in a minor league game on Tuesday (0-for-2 with a sacrifice fly).
Insight: McCann is not expected to be ready until mid-April at the earliest. The six-time All-Star catcher is coming off his worst season -- .230, 20 homers, 67 RBIs, .698 OPS -- but we credit the decline to an ailing shoulder that ended up being worse than expected and forced October surgery.
Description: Braves right-hander Julio Teheran fanned 10 batters over six hitless innings Saturday against the Astros to lower his ERA to 1.04 this spring. Teheran has struck out 35 batters and allowed just seven hits in 26 spring innings.
Insight: Teheran had a rough year in Triple-A last season, posting a 5.08 ERA in 131 innings, but MLB.com still rates him as the No. 31 overall prospect in baseball. He's still just 22 and should be owned in all leagues on potential alone.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) will not play in a minor league game before April 16, Braves GM Frank Wren said Saturday, leaving his chances of returning in April in doubt. SOURCE: David O'Brien, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: McCann has been targeting April 15 for his return from shoulder surgery.The six-time All-Star catcher is coming off his worst season -- .230, 20 homers, 67 RBIs, .698 OPS -- but we credit the decline to an ailing shoulder that ended up being worse than expected. Fantasy owners will have to stash him until May.
Description: The Braves announced that righthander Tim Hudson will start the season opener against the Phillies on April 1st.
Insight: Kris Medlen (10-1, 1.57 ERA in 2012) had also been a candidate to start the season opener. It's Hudson's first Opening Day start since 2008. The 37-year-old went 16-7 last year with a 3.62 ERA in 28 starts.
Description: After going 4-for-4 with two homers Wednesday, Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman now leads the majors with seven spring homers.
Insight: Freeman had 23 homers, 94 RBIs and 91 runs last season so he already has been a valuable fantasy first baseman but he should be in line for a career year in his third full season.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) took more batting practice and threw at a distance of 120 feet. He's progressing nicely with no setbacks so far.
Insight: McCann still isn't likely to be ready for Opening Day, but is targeting around April 15 for his return.The six-time All-Star catcher is coming off his worst season -- .230, 20 homers, 67 RBIs, .698 OPS -- but we credit the decline to an ailing shoulder that ended up being worse than expected.
Description: Braves reliever Jordan Walden will pitch batting practice over the weekend and hopes to get in a game next week.
Insight: Walden and his 100 m.p.h. fastball was suppose to be the closer for the Angels for many years, but despite 32 saves in 2011, could not keep the job. In Atlanta he has no shot to close with the league's best closer in Craig Kimbrel and setup man Jonny Venters ahead of him.
Description: Braves prospect Julio Teheran has only allowed four hits while striking out 18 batters in 14 innings this spring.
Insight: At the request of the team, Teheran worked on his sinker during winter ball and is seeing immediate results. He had a rough year in Triple-A last season, posting a 5.08 ERA in 131 innings, but MLB.com still rates him as the No. 31 overall prospect in baseball. He's still just 22 and should be owned in most 12-team leagues on potential alone.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla has 15 strikeouts in 41 at-bats this spring, the most among all Grapefruit and Cactus League players.
Insight: The writing is on the wall for Uggla. He has experienced massive three- and four-month slumps over the past two seasons and saw his homers decline from 36 to 19 last year. Fantasy owners who pencil him in at second base should kiss the batting average category goodbye.
Description: The Yankees are trying to get in touch with former Braves third baseman Chipper Jones to see if he'd consider coming out of retirement. SOURCE: Jack Curry, YES
Insight: The Yankees are really desperate now that Mark Teixeira is out with an injured wrist. Jones has repeatedly said that he won't come out of retirement so this looks like a dead end.
Description: According to Ken Rosenthal, there is talk that the Braves might be willing to deal setup man Jonny Venters.
Insight: Venters exploded onto the scene in 2011, going 6-2 with a 1.84 ERA, 1.091 WHIP, 99 Ks and five saves in 88 IP. He stumbled last season (5-4, 3.22 ERA, 1.517 WHIP), but if he returns to his 2011 form he could be a big-time closer for a lot of clubs.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla was hit in the helmet by a pitch on Tuesday and left the game for a pinch-runner. However, it was merely precautionary, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: Uggla stayed on his feet and headed to first base but the Braves opted to take him out. He'll probably have some precautionary tests before returning to action. Coming off the worst season of his career -- .220, 19 homers -- Uggla is going 12th among second baseman in Yahoo! fantasy drafts with an ADP of 134.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) took batting practice and threw without problems on Saturday.
Insight: The six-time All-Star catcher is coming off his worst season -- .230, 20 homers, 67 RBIs, .698 OPS -- but we credit the decline to an ailing shoulder that ended up being worse than expected. He isn't likely to be ready for Opening Day, but has a target day of April 15 for his return.
Description: Braves reliever Jordan Walden was scratched from his appearance Wednesday because of a sore back.
Insight: This shouldn't be an issue by the time the regular season opens. Walden could close for a lot of teams but in Atlanta's deep pen, he's not even a setup man. Look elsewhere for fantasy relief help.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla reported to training camp 10 pounds lighter than he was at the end of the 2012 season. SOURCE: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: Uggla had a .276 batting average, 10 homers, 37 RBIs and an .876 OPS on June 5. He proceeded to go 60-for-324 (.185) with nine homers, 41 RBIs and a .644 OPS over his final 99 games. Shedding weight won't help his declining skills.
Description: Braves reliever Jonny Venters told Mark Bowman of MLB.com that "changed offseason work habits" led to his mediocre 2012 season.
Insight: Venters exploded onto the scene in 2011, going 6-2 with a 1.84 ERA, 1.091 WHIP, 99 Ks and five saves in 88 IP. He said he took off too much time in the offseason and started earlier this time around. If he returns to the form of 2011 he can be a useful fantasy asset.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) might not be cleared to play until April 15, even though his recovery from October surgery is going well. SOURCE: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: "I started throwing last week, from 45 feet. Sixty feet this week. I’ve thrown a total of six times. Next week hopefully at 90 feet, and just go from there. I’ve got to build my arm strength back up." The six-time All-Star catcher is coming off his worst season -- .230, 20 homers, 67 RBIs, .698 OPS -- but we credit the decline to an ailing shoulder that ended up being worse than expected.
Description: Arizona has signed third baseman Martin Prado to a four-year, $40 million contract extension through 2016 to avoid arbitration. SOURCE: Ken Rosenthal, FOXSports.com
Insight: The Diamondbacks acquired Prado last week from the Braves in the trade for Justin Upton. Prado has hit .300 or better in four of his last five seasons and should be able to improve on his 10 homers from 2012 since he'll be playing half his games at Chase Field.
Description: Atlanta Braves right-hander Brandon Beachy, who underwent Tommy John surgery on his elbow in June, is on track for a mid-June return, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: Beachy had a 2.00 ERA and 0.963 WHIP in 13 starts last season and a mid-June return could allow him about 15 starts in 2013.
Description: The market seems to be opening up for Michael Bourn. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports says that the Cubs, Dodgers, Mariners, Mets, Orioles, Rangers and Rays are all interested in the former Braves outfielder.
Insight: A return to Atlanta doesn't appear to be in the cards for Bourn now that the Braves have acquired Justin Upton from the Diamondbacks. Whoever signs Bourn will be getting a speedy leadoff hitter (40 or more steals in each of his last five seasons) who strikes out a bit more often than he should (295 K's in his last two seasons).
Description: Outfielder Justin Upton has been dealt to the Atlanta Braves as part of a seven-player swap.
Insight: The Diamondbacks are giving up Upton (.280, 17 HR, 67 RBI) and third baseman Chris Johnson (.281, 15 HR, 76 RBI) for Nick Ahmed (.269, 40 SB in Single-A last season), Randall Delgado (4-9, 4.37 ERA), Brandon Drury (.229, 6 HR, 51 RBI in Single-A), Martin Prado (.301, 10 HR, 70 RBI) and Zeke Spruill (9-11, 3.67 ERA in Double-A). It seems like a solid trade for both sides as the D-Backs are adding depth to their minor league system while the Braves are getting two players who have already proven themselves at the major league level. Upton had an up and down season in 2012 but he was a legitimate MVP candidate the season before, knocking in a career-high 31 homers in 592 at bats. He'll join his brother B.J. in what should be one of MLB's most productive outfields.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward signed a one-year, $3.65 million deal to avoid arbitration.
Insight: After a down year in 2011, Heyward hit .269 with a career-high 27 homers and 82 RBIs in 2012. He also scored 93 runs and stole 21 bases. He should hit in the middle of Atlanta's order this season with Freddie Freeman and Brian McCann as the team moves on from the Chipper Jones era.
Description: Atlanta starter Kris Medlen agreed to a one-year, $2.6 million contract to avoid arbitration.
Insight: Medlen went 9-0 with an 0.97 ERA with a 9.0 K/9 in 12 starts after joining the rotation in July. He is penciled in as Atlanta's No. 2 starter behind Tim Hudson in 2013.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann is confident he will be ready by Opening Day after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder in October. SOURCE: Braves.com
Insight: McCann was projected to miss the first two weeks of the season after having the surgery on Oct. 16. The six-time All-Star catcher is coming off his worst season -- .230, 20 homers, 67 RBIs, .698 OPS -- but we credit the decline to an ailing shoulder that ended up being worse than expected.
Description: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports Texas could begin making a push for free agent outfielder Michael Bourn.
Insight: This hasn't been a great offseason for the Rangers. They whiffed on Zack Greinke and Josh Hamilton in free agency, gave up Michael Young to the Phillies for practically nothing and were unable to acquire James Shields or Justin Upton in trades. The only notable player they've added so far is A.J. Pierzynski at catcher. In addition to Bourn, the Rangers have also shown interest in former Red Sox outfielder Cody Ross, who met with the team earlier this week.
Description: The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo is hearing that the Yankees may be interested in free agent outfielder Michael Bourn.
Insight: It's possible the Yankees are looking to make a splash in free agency to steal some of the thunder away from the Angels after the team signed Josh Hamilton earlier in the week. New York already has a full outfield with Ichiro Suzuki in right, Brett Gardner in left and Curtis Granderson in center, so this wouldn't seem like a great fit for Bourn, unless the Yankees are willing to put Granderson on the trading block.
Description: It's official. B.J. Upton is an Atlanta Brave. The outfielder has agreed to a new five-year deal worth $75.25 million.
Insight: This likely signals the end of the Michael Bourn Era in Atlanta. Upton's rare combination of speed and power should make him one of the most coveted outfielders in fantasy next season.
Description: San Francisco could be a player for free agent center fielder Michael Bourn according to Jon Heyman from CBS Sports.
Insight: The Giants' preference would obviously be to keep Angel Pagan but if he leaves, Bourn wouldn't be a bad backup plan. Bourn hit .200 in 15 at bats at San Francisco's AT&T Park this past season with three stolen bases.
Description: Cincinnati has expressed interest in free agent outfielder Michael Bourn according to Danny Knobler from CBS Sports.
Insight: Bourn officially became a free agent when he rejected his one-year qualifying offer from the Braves on Friday. Last season Drew Stubbs (.213, 14 HR, 40 RBI, 30 SB) and Chris Heisey (.265, 7 HR, 31 RBI) split time in center field for the Reds.
Description: Braves righthander Jair Jurrjens is drawing trade interest according to Jon Paul Morosi from Fox Sports.
Insight: Jurrjens became expendable once Kris Medlen emerged late in the season. Jurrjens was an All-Star in 2011 and he's still just 26, so the potential is there. He just needs to find more consistency. Perhaps he'll find it by getting a fresh start somewhere else.
Description: Center fielder Michael Bourn received a qualifying offer from the Braves on Friday.
Insight: The free agent is hoping to land a $100 million deal later this offseason. If Bourn elects to sign with another team, Atlanta will be given a draft pick as compensation.
Description: Atlanta has claimed outfielder Jordan Schafer off waivers.
Insight: Schafer hit .211 with 27 steals in 106 games for the Astros in 2012. Schafer could become the team's everyday center fielder if the Braves are unable to retain Michael Bourn in free agency.
Description: Free agent center fielder Michael Bourn is hoping to sign a $100 million contract later this offseason according to Jim Salisbury of Comcast Philadelphia.
Insight: A .274/9 HR/57 RBI/42 SB stat line usually wouldn't warrant such a high price tag but in this year's shallow free agent pool it's possible a team could overpay and give Bourn the nine-figure deal he desires.
Description: Braves right-hander Brandon Beachy, who underwent Tommy John surgery on his elbow in June, threw the ball for the first time since the surgery, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: Despite a mediocre 5-5 record, Beachy had a then league-leading 2.00 ERA and 0.963 WHIP. He isn't expected to be available until midseason, somewhere around the All-Star break.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann's agent B.B. Abbott believes his client will be "completely healthy" next season. McCann underwent shoulder surgery earlier this week.
Insight: McCann is coming off one of his worst seasons (.230, 20 HR, 67 RBI). The Braves have until three days after the World Series to decide whether or not they are going to pick up McCann's team option for next season.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann will need six months of rehab following the right shoulder surgery he had on Tuesday, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: McCann had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. If all goes well the catcher could be ready to play again in late April. McCann is coming off his worst MLB season -- he hit .230 with a .698 OPS in 121 games -- but perhaps we can pin it on the shoulder injury.
Description: Atlanta GM Frank Wren doesn't think Brian McCann will need surgery on his injured shoulder during the offseason. McCann told reporters earlier in the week that surgery was a possibility and that he could be sidelined for up to five months. SOURCE: Mark Bowman, MLB.com.
Insight: McCann walked in a pinch-hitting appearance Friday night against St. Louis. McCann didn't look like himself this season, hitting almost 50 points below his career average and missing the All-Star game for the first time since 2005. Certainly the shoulder issues contributed to McCann's struggles in 2012.
Description: Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones went 1-for-5 Friday in his final major league game.
Insight: The one hit came on a broken bat single in Jones' final at bat of the night. He'll finish his career with 468 HR, 1,623 RBI and a .303 average in 2,499 games played.
Description: Atlanta catcher David Ross swatted a two-run homer Friday night in a heartbreaking 6-3 loss to St. Louis.
Insight: Ross got the surprise start at catcher over perennial All-Star Brian McCann and the move paid off for the Braves as Ross blew up for three hits. McCann entered the game as a pinch-hitter later on and worked a two-out walk in the bottom of the eighth.
Description: Atlanta starter Kris Medlen's streak of consecutive starts without a loss ended Friday when the Cardinals defeated the Braves 6-3 in a one-game playoff.
Insight: Medlen gave up five runs in 6 1/3 innings but only two of those runs were earned thanks to some sloppy defense by the Atlanta infield. Medlen struck out four batters without surrendering a walk. He threw 92 pitches before Chad Durbin replaced him in the seventh.
Description: Atlanta righthander Kris Medlen has drawn the start for Friday's Wild Card playoff matchup against St. Louis.
Insight: This one is win or go home so who better to start than Medlen, who is undefeated in his 12 games as a starter this season. Medlen's last outing came Sunday against New York. He allowed just three hits and one unearned run in that game.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is a .350 hitter (14-for-40) against Pirates starter A.J. Burnett.
Insight: Jones (.285, 14 HR, 62 RBI in 111 games) took Tuesday off with the division decided and the Braves having locked up a wild card berth. Wednesday will be the final regular season game of his stellar 19-year career.
Description: Braves right-hander Ben Sheets will make his final big league appearance Wednesday against the Pirates. Sheets will retire after the season.
Insight: Sheets made a valiant comeback effort after missing all of 2012, but he hasn't pitched since Aug. 24 due to shoulder injuries. He'll carry a 4-4 record with a 3.54 ERA and 1.34 WHIP into his final start on Wednesday.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann is out for Sunday's game versus New York. He's dealing with knee and shoulder soreness.
Insight: It's natural for catchers to be a little banged up after a long season. Now that the Braves have clinched a playoff berth, it makes sense for them to rest their starting catcher so he'll be closer to 100 percent when they really need him.
Description: Atlanta outfielder Michael Bourn may return to the starting lineup on Sunday, according to manager Fredi Gonzalez. Bourn has been battling a sprained thumb for the past week.
Insight: Jose Constanza (.242, 0 HR, 4 RBI) will grab the start in center field Saturday versus the Mets. So far, the Braves are 4-1 in Bourn's absence.
Description: Atlanta center fielder Michael Bourn is doubtful for Saturday's game against New York with a sprained left thumb.
Insight: The good news is that Bourn doesn't have a ligament tear. The Braves have already clinched a playoff berth so they don't have to rush Bourn back.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is a stunning 6-for-10 with a pair of homers and a 1.967 OPS against Mets starter Chris Young.
Insight: Jones is planning to play in every game of his final homestand. It would be great to see a quality person like Jones finish his career in a big way and this matchup is a favorable one.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has three homers in his last six games.
Insight: Freeman went deep Friday against the Mets, his 23rd of the season. The first baseman needs six RBIs in his final five games to reach 100 for the first time.
Description: Atlanta starter Tim Hudson could be scratched from his next start so he sets up to start Game 1 of the NLDS on Oct. 7, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: The Braves will only use Hudson if they are still battling for a division title, which is unlikely since they came into Friday four games behind the Nationals. Fantasy owners banking on one more start from Hudson (16-6, 3.61 ERA) will have to look for other options.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward is 7-for-17 (.412) against Mets starter Jonathon Niese with a pair of homers and a 1.356 OPS.
Insight: Heyward has finally begun to produce as all the hype said he would back in 2010. He's batting .269 with 91 runs, 27 HR, 79 RBI and an .822 OPS. Friday is a matchup to enjoy.
Description: Atlanta center fielder Michael Bourn is day-to-day with a slight left thumb sprain.
Insight: The good news is that Bourn doesn't have a ligament tear. The Braves have already clinched a playoff berth so they don't have to rush Bourn back.
Description: It's been a frustrating season for Braves second baseman Dan Uggla and Wednesday isn't likel to change that as he's hitless in 10 at-bats versus Miami starter Josh Johnson.
Insight: Uggla has reached the 31 homer plateau in each of the last five seasons, but will need a dozen in the final week and a half to keep the string alive. He's batting a career low .216 with just a .729 OPS. Fantasy owners have long since given up hope that he'll bounce back this season.
Description: According to the Braves' official website, third baseman Chipper Jones plans to play all six games during the team's final homestand.
Insight: Jones hasn't started six consecutive days all season, but he wants to give Braves fans a chance to see him before he retires and give the team the best chance to catch Washington for the division lead with 10 games left.
Description: Atlanta center fielder Michael Bourn is questionable for Tuesday's game against Miami with a sprained left thumb.
Insight: It's been a struggle for Bourn in the second half of the season, batting just .222 since the break versus .311 before the break. He's still a fantasy value with his league-leading 39 stolen bases.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann is on the sidelines for Sunday's game against Philadelphia.
Insight: David Ross (.255, 7 HR, 19 RBI) will start at catcher and bat seventh for Atlanta. McCann (.228, 20 HR, 67 RBI) enters today's action with just three hits in his last 16 at bats.
Description: Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones is not in the lineup Sunday against Philadelphia.
Insight: It's just a breather for Jones (.295, 14 HR, 61 RBI), who has been playing through knee injuries all season. He should be available Tuesday against Miami. We could even see him later today as a pinch-hitter.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones has excellent career numbers against Roy Halladay and he has been nearly as successful against Halladay's teammate Cliff Lee, so Sunday could be another nice day for the veteran.
Insight: Jones started the last two games so he might get the day off Sunday but if he's in the Braves lineup he should definitely be in your fantasy lineup. Jones is 9-for-21 with four doubles, one homer and five RBIs against Lee.
Description: Atlanta center fielder Michael Bourn won't be available for Sunday's game after jamming his thumb on Saturday.
Insight: The Braves are hoping Bourn (.274, 9 HR, 56 RBI) will be able to return Tuesday against the Marlins. Bourn remains a fantasy fixture with his league-leading 39 stolen bases.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann (hamstring) has been a massive disappointment this season but Saturday's matchup with Roy Halladay is an excuse to start him.
Insight: McCann (.230, 20 HRs, 67 RBIs) is 9-for-25 (.360) with a homer and four RBIs against Halladay. The former top catcher has hit .229 or less in four of the six months this season, including .227 in September.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is hitting .298 with two homers and eight RBIs in 18 games this month and Saturday's matchup with Roy Halladay shouldn't be a reason to bench him.
Insight: Uggla is 11-for-33 (.333) with three homers in his career against Halladay. Those who stuck with the second baseman when he hit .150 (37-for-247) in 76 games from June 6 to Sept. 5 should start him Saturday.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones will relish the chance to face Phillies starter Roy Halladay once last time Saturday.
Insight: Jones is retiring so this is the last time he'll have a shot at Halladay in a regular season matchup. He's 10-for-20 with three doubles and three solo homers against Halladay.
Description: Atlanta starter Tommy Hanson has thrown less than six innings in 10 of his last 11 starts. Hanson (12-9, 4.46 ERA) has lost four straight decision, including Friday's game against the Phillies in which he allowed five runs on four hits (3 HRs), walked three and struck out five in 5 1/3 innings.
Insight: Overall, Hanson is averaging 5 2/3 innings per start this season, but just five innings per start in his last 11. The right-hander has walked 3.75 batters per nine innings this season compared to just 2.89 BB/9 in the three seasons prior to this one.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward is 3-for-16 (.188) against Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick.
Insight: Heyward has finally begun to produce as all the hype said he would back in 2010. He's batting .273 with 87 runs, 27 HR, 75 RBI and an .831 OPS. Friday is a matchup to avoid.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn is a career .500 hitter in 14 at-bats against Phillies right-hander Kyle Kendrick with a pair of homers and a 1.491 OPS.
Insight: Bourn was an All-Star in the first half (.311, 60 runs, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 25 SB), but has struggled since the break batting just .216 with a .611 OPS. This matchup is worthy of putting him back in your fantasy lineup.
Description: Braves righty Kris Medlen turned in another excellent performance Wednesday versus the Marlins. He allowed just four hits and one walk over eight scoreless innings of work.
Insight: Medlen has been absolutely unstoppable since manager Fredi Gonzalez made him a starter in late July. In 10 starts, the 26-year-old is 8-0 with a 0.76 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 70 2/3 innings. Atlanta has now won the last 21 games in which Medlen has started, a streak that dates all the way back to 2009.
Description: A sore shoulder prevented Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons from playing in Wednesday's game against Miami, though manager Fredi Gonzalez expects to have Simmons back for Friday's game versus the Phillies.
Insight: Simmons has hit .278 in 18 at bats since his return from the disabled list a little over a week ago.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is on a modest four-game hitting streak to raise his average to .217, but he should not be started against Miami hurler Josh Johnson. Uggla is hitless in eight at-bats against the Marlins right-hander.
Insight: Uggla is hitting .300 in September, by far his highest average for any month this season, which for fantasy owners who counted on 30-plus homers has been extremely disappointing.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla crushed a three-run homer to left Monday night in a win over Miami.
Insight: Uggla is hitting .304 in September, his highest average for any month this season. With one more homer Uggla will have reached 20 home runs in a season for the seventh year in a row.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann left Saturday's game after two innings due to right hamstring tendinitis and sat out Sunday's game. He is more likely to return on Tuesday.
Insight: We have seen McCann's numbers drop across the board this season and he's just 1-for-8 in his last three contests. Find another option for Monday.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward is 4-for-7 (.571) with a double and a homer in his seven at-bats against Miami lefty Wade LeBlanc.
Insight: Heyward normally struggles against left-handers, with a career .227 batting average vs. .280 against right-handers, but this matchup is the exception. Start Heyward on Monday night.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn went 0-for-4 Saturday and he's now hitting .222 in the second half as opposed to .311 in the first.
Insight: Bourn hasn't been the same player since July. He hit .250 that month, .243 in August and is hitting .195 in September. Fantasy owners will have a difficult decision in next year's drafts when it comes to Bourn. A case can be made that the player Bourn represented in the first half would be a second-round pick in fantasy drafts but the one he's been the rest of his career is more of a mid-round talent.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann left Saturday's game after two innings due to right hamstring tendinitis, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: McCann has been disturbingly bad for much of this season but it got worse after a bounce-back July. In August, McCann hit .181 with zero homers and two RBIs in 21 games and he started off September 0-for-12 before going 7-for-19 with two homers and six RBIs in his last five games. The catcher is considered day-to-day with the injury.
Description: Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Washington. At this time of the year, Jones needs the rest for his always questionable knees.
Insight: Jones (.297, 14 HR, 59 RBI) doesn't play everyday anymore because of his chronic bad knees, but when he is in the lineup, he's usually worth a start in fantasy.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn, who has one single in 13 at-bats (.077) against Nationals righty Ross Detwiler, is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Washington.
Insight: Bourn is enjoying an excellent season at the plate, hitting .277 with a career-high nine homers and 56 RBIs, 88 runs scored and a league-leading 39 steals, but may not help you on Friday.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn has one single in 13 at-bats (.077) against Nationals righty Ross Detwiler.
Insight: Bourn is enjoying an excellent season at the plate, hitting .277 with a career-high nine homers and 56 RBIs, 88 runs scored and a league-leading 39 steals, but may not help you on Friday.
Description: Braves OF/3B/2B Martin Prado is a career .579 hitter (11-for-19) against Washington right-hander Ross Detwiler.
Insight: He's batting .297 with 74 runs scored, nine homers, 64 RBI and a .780 OPS. With three-position eligibility Prado is a valuable bench player for any fantasy team. He's a must start on Friday.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman will sit out Tuesday's game against Milwaukee.
Insight: Freeman's benching is probably the result of his current 2-for-24 slump. Lyle Overbay (.287, 2 HR, 10 RBI) will start at first tonight for Atlanta.
Description: Atlanta shortstop Andrelton Simmons has been activated from the disabled list. He'll bat eighth Monday night versus the Brewers.
Insight: Simmons (.296, 3 HR, 15 RBI) broke his finger right before the All-Star break and hasn't played since. Paul Janish (.188, 0 HR, 9 RBI) and Tyler Pastornicky (.245, 2 HR, 13 RBI) should see fewer at bats now that Simmons is healthy again.
Description: Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list for Monday's game against Milwaukee. He's been out with a broken finger.
Insight: Simmons (.296, 3 HRs, 15 RBIs, .788 OPS) had been playing well for the Braves before the injury.
Description: Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones is questionable for Monday's game against Milwaukee with a sore left knee.
Insight: Jones (.297, 14 HR, 59 RBI) doesn't play everyday anymore because of his chronic bad knees, but when he is in the lineup, he's usually worth a start in fantasy.
Description: Atlanta starter Kris Medlen pitched six strong innings Saturday against the Mets for his sixth win in a row.
Insight: Medlen (8-1, 1.64 ERA) allowed two runs and four hits over 80 pitches. He walked two and struck out three. His next start is Friday against the Nationals.
Description: After getting the night off on Friday, Braves catcher Brian McCann came back to slug four hits against the Mets on Saturday.
Insight: McCann had been hitless in his previous 17 at bats before his huge day on Saturday. He's now hitting .256 in 39 at bats versus New York this season.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla went 2-for-4 with a solo homer Friday night in New York.
Insight: The home run was Uggla's 18th of the season. Uggla has now started twice in a row after getting benched earlier in the week so perhaps he has made his way back into manager Fredi Gonzalez's good graces.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann will have the night off Friday versus New York.
Insight: McCann had been dealing with a shoulder issue earlier in the week so this absence could be related to that. In the meantime, David Ross (.271, 7 HR, 18 RBI) will start behind the plate for the NL Wild Card-leading Braves.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann is just 1-for-12 (.083) with five strikeouts against Mets starter Jonathan Niese.
Insight: This is not the McCann fantasy owners are used to putting in their lineups. He's batting just .224 this season with 18 HR and 58 RBI and has been particularly ugly since the All-Star game, batting .195 over the last 38 games. Sit him.
Description: Atlanta righthander Tim Hudson used a scoreless outing on Thursday to improve his record to 14-5 for the season.
Insight: Hudson had a shaky game last time out against the Phillies (5 IP, 9 H, 5 ER) but he was able to rebound nicely by tossing seven scoreless innings versus the Rockies, allowing just six hits and two walks over 102 pitches.
Description: Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones will be on the sidelines for Thursday's series finale versus Colorado.
Insight: Jones is hitting .333 over his last six games with a homer and three RBI. Jones (.304, 14 HR, 58 RBI) doesn't play everyday anymore because of his bad knees, but when he is in the lineup, he's usually worth a start in fantasy.
Description: According to the Braves' official website, Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez remains optimistic that catcher Brian McCann will improve at the plate over the next few weeks. If he doesn't, however, Gonzalez is prepared to play David Ross more frequently.
Insight: McCann hit .238 in the first half but he looked to be turning things around when he belted nine homers and had a .296 average in July. However, August saw him hit .181 with zero homers and he has been dealing with a shoulder injury this month. It's time to cut him loose and go with the hot hand for September. Big name or not, you need production right now.
Description: Braves outfielder/third baseman Martin Prado will become Atlanta's starting second baseman for the stretch drive as manager Fredi Gonzalez has benched Dan Uggla.
Insight: Add another position of eligibility for Prado who is qualified at two positions already. He's batting .298 with 72 runs scored, nine homers, 64 RBI and a .797 OPS.
Description: Manager Fredi Gonzalez has finally hit the breaking point with slumping Braves second baseman Dan Uggla and will use Martin Prado as the primary starter the rest of the way.
Insight: Uggla's 17 HR and 64 RBI are not enough to cover a horrible .208 batting average and an OPS that has dropped from a career best .877 in 2010 to 764 last season ands .713 this year.
Description: Another start and another complete game for Braves righthander Kris Medlen. His latest masterpiece came Monday afternoon in a 111-pitch outing versus the Rockies.
Insight: Since becoming a starter on July 31st, Medlen is 6-0 with a 0.54 ERA. The unearned run he surrendered in Monday's game was the first run he's allowed since August 11th, a span of four starts. Medlen is the hottest pitcher in baseball right now and we're not expecting him to slow down anytime soon.
Description: Third baseman Chipper Jones is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Colorado. No injury for the oft-injured one, just a day of rest.
Insight: Jones is having a very nice year when in the lineup, batting .302 with 14 HR and 58 RBI in just 89 games.
Description: Third baseman Chipper Jones smashed a three-run homer off of Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday as the Braves walked off to an 8-7 victory in the series finale.
Insight: The 443-foot blast was Jones' only hit of the afternoon. It was also Jones' first homer since August 17th.
Description: Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones has a .304 average, 13 homers and 55 RBIs as the clock ticks down on his major league career. Fantasy owners shouldn't be deterred by Jones facing Phillies starter Cole Hamels Sunday.
Insight: Jones has 13 hits in 40 career at-bats (.325) against Hamels. He's a lock to post his 18th straight season with an OPS of .800 or better and should be started Sunday.
Description: Braves starter Dan Uggla is just 8-for-55 (.145) with 18 strikeouts against Phillies starter Cole Hamels.
Insight: We have a hunch Uggla has a similar line against plenty of other pitchers in the league. The second baseman has just 42 hits in 255 at-bats (.164) since June 1.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn is hitless in 15 at-bats against Phillies starter Cliff Lee with five strikeouts. With this stat in mind, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez has taken Bourn out of the starting lineup.
Insight: Bourn is enjoying an excellent season at the plate, hitting .283 with a career-high nine homers and 55 RBIs, 85 runs scored and a league-leading 37 steals.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn is hitless in 15 at-bats against Phillies starter Cliff Lee with five strikeouts.
Insight: Bourn is enjoying an excellent season at the plate, hitting .283 with a career-high nine homers and 55 RBIs, 85 runs scored and a league-leading 37 steals. He should be in fantasy lineups almost every day, but not on Saturday in this unfavorable matchup.
Description: Dan Uggla is a career .355 hitter (11-for-31) versus Phillies starter Roy Halladay with three homers.
Insight: Uggla has been horrible for his fantasy owners in 2012, not getting close to preseason expectations. He's batting .208 with 16 HR and 63 RBI after hitting 31 or more homers in each of the last five seasons.
Description: Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones is a career .526 hitter (10-for-19) against Phillies ace Roy Halladay with three homers and a 1.684 OPS.
Insight: Jones is in the middle of another fine season, batting .304 with 13 HR and 55 RBI in just 86 games. As always with the fragile third baseman, you must check the starting lineup to see if his name is on it.
Description: Braves starter Tim Hudson won his seventh straight decision Sunday against the Giants.
Insight: Hudson (13-4, 3.57 ERA) fired seven innings and scattered five hits Sunday to win his 194th career game. The right-hander has been one of the best back-end fantasy starters in the league this season, helping owners in wins, ERA and WHIP. His low strikeout total prevents him from being more than that, but as long as you have other aces Hudson makes for a solid SP4 and excellent SP5.
Description: Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones is out for Sunday night's tilt with the Giants because of a sore oblique and a lower back issue, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: Jones missed Saturday's game as well. The injury is not considered serious.
Description: Dan Uggla is hitting only .206 this year and it looks like things are about to get even worse for the struggling second baseman. Sunday night the Braves second baseman will face Tim Lincecum, a pitcher he has had literally no success against (0-for-10 lifetime).
Insight: Uggla is a dismal 2-for-28 in his last nine games. Make sure the underachieving infielder is far away from your fantasy lineup on Sunday.
Description: Atlanta righthander Ben Sheets has been moved to the 15-day DL. He's struggling with right shoulder inflammation.
Insight: Sheets has followed up a fantastic July (3-0, 0.50 ERA) with a disappointing August (1-4, 5.34). He probably won't carry very much fantasy value upon his return.
Description: One start after throwing his first career complete game shutout, Braves starter Kris Medlen dazzled again Wednesday against Washington. Medlen held the Nationals scoreless in seven innings (7 H, 1 BB, 7 K) to win his fifth game of the year.
Insight: Medlen has an ERA of 0.83 in five starts this season and he's won four straight decisions. The right-hander should be added in all formats since manager Fredi Gonzalez would have to be crazy to move him to the bullpen when the team moves to a five-man rotation at the start of September.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn has managed just one hit, a single, in 13 at-bats versus Nationals starter Ross Detwiler.
Insight: Bourn is enjoying an excellent season at the plate, hitting .288 with a career-high nine homers and 51 RBIs, 83 runs scored and a league-leading 33 steals. He should be in fantasy lineups almost every day, but not on Wednesday.
Description: Braves outfielder/third baseman Martin Prado is a .563 hitter (9-for-16) against Nationals starter Ross Detwiler with a 1.463 OPS.
Insight: Prado has posted another solid fantasy season batting .296 with 65 runs, 54 RBI and 14 steals. He's a must start on Wednesday in this highly favorable matchup.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla is that rare hitter with success against Washington ace Stephen Strasburg. He's faced him 18 times, coming away with three walks and eight hits including a pair of homers and eight RBI.
Insight: Uggla has been awful this season, batting .210 average with 15 homers and 62 RBI. It's a far cry from his 2010 season in which he hit .287 with 33 HR and 105 RBI or even last season when he pounded out 36 homers. Still, the numbers don't lie - start Uggla on Tuesday.
Description: The hole Atlanta starter Mike Minor dug for himself in May is so deep that he's still attempting to get out of it.
Insight: Minor's ERA nearly exceeded 7.00 in May, but the left-hander has been excellent since, especially in July and August. In his last eight starts, Minor has a 2.29 ERA and a 37/8 K/BB ratio in 51 innings.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla has picked it up a bit at the plate this month, hitting .236 with three homers, 13 RBIs and 10 walks in 16 August games, but he should not be in consideration for a starting spot Sunday due to his lousy career numbers against Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley.
Insight: Uggla has a miserable .212 average with 15 homers after hitting .160 in June and .115 in July. His 1-for-17 (.059) line against Billingsley should get him a ticket to fantasy benches Sunday.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn has collected 11 hits during his current seven-game hitting streak, and he has always had success against Dodgers starter Aaron Harang (9-for-26 (.346) with five RBIs).
Insight: Bourn is enjoying a fabulous season at the plate, hitting .293 with a career-high nine homers and 51 RBIs and 82 runs scored. He should be in fantasy lineups everyday.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is having a phenomenal season in his final campaign, hitting .313 with 13 homers and 54 RBIs in 77 games, and he has another solid matchup Saturday.
Insight: Jones has hit three homers in his last two games and he has a good shot to belt another Saturday. The 40-year-old third baseman has gone 7-for-18 (.389) with a double, a triple and two homers against Dodgers starter Aaron Harang.
Description: Fantasy owners may finally see Atlanta catcher Brian McCann's back-breaking August slump come to an end Saturday against Dodgers starter Aaron Harang.
Insight: McCann only has four hits and one RBI in 36 at-bats this month, but he has hit a searing .522 (12-for-23) with five doubles, two homers and seven RBIs against Harang. Make sure you get him back in the lineup Saturday.
Description: Atlanta righthander Tommy Hanson has been activated from the disabled list. He'll start Friday night's game against Los Angeles.
Insight: Hanson (12-5, 4.29 ERA) has been out since July 30th with a lower back strain. Since the All-Star break, Hanson has surrendered 16 walks in just 19 and a third innings of work, so control has definitely been an issue for the 25-year-old.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann won't be in the lineup Friday against the Dodgers.
Insight: McCann has seen his average dip into the .220s thanks to a miserable 1-for-21 slump over his last six games. McCann has never finished a season with a batting average lower than .269 but he'll need to catch fire quick if he wants to reach that mark before the end of the season.
Description: Forty-year-old Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is having a good-hitting season, his best since 2008, but he's just an .077 career hitter against Dodgers starter Chris Capuano.
Insight: Jones (.315, 12 HR, 53 RBI, 909 OPS) has been surprisingly good when in the lineup, however, Friday doesn't appear to be a favorable matchup.
Description: Braves outfielder/third baseman Martin Prado is just a .083 hitter (1-for-12) versus Dodgers starter Chris Capuano.
Insight: Prado doesn't get a lot of publicity, but he's a solid fantasy option batting .300 with 61 runs, 51 RBI and 14 steals. However, Friday isn't likely to be a productive day.
Description: Braves starter Kris Medlen twirled his first career complete game in a 6-0 victory over San Diego Thursday. Medlen held the Padres to five hits, struck out six and didn't walk a batter.
Insight: Medlen is making Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez' decision awfully difficult. The team will switch back to a five-man rotation once September starts, and Medlen figured to be the odd man out until his last four starts (3-0, 1.05 ERA). Medlen should be added in deeper leagues, as he'll make another 2-3 starts this month.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is 6-for-14 (.429) in his career against San Diego starter Jason Marquis with three of those hits coming on home runs.
Insight: Jones (.312, 10 HR, 50 RBI) sat out last night's game so he should be feeling refreshed and ready to go Thursday versus Marquis (8-10, 5.05 ERA).
Description: Third baseman Chipper Jones won't be in the lineup Wednesday when the Braves take on the Padres.
Insight: Jones is hitting a solid .289 for the month but he's done it without displaying much power. The last time he homered in a game was July 29 against the Phillies.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla is 2-for-11 in his career against Padres starter Edinson Volquez, including five strikeouts.
Insight: Uggla continues to struggle, batting just .195 with a .649 OPS over the past four weeks. He's got almost no chance to match the 30-plus homers he's hit the past five seasons, making him unworthy of a spot in your fantasy lineup.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla blasted his second homer in as many games Wednesday night in a victory over San Diego.
Insight: Uggla (.215, 15 HR, 62 RBI) is hitting .267 in August, which isn't great, but it's still a massive improvement over his dreadful effort last month (.115 in 78 July at bats). He'll need a miraculous finish to match the home run total he accumulated last season (career-high 36 long balls).
Description: Braves starter Tim Hudson improved to 12-4 with 6 1/3 strong innings (2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K) Tuesday against the Padres.
Insight: Hudson (12-4, 3.59 ERA) has won 12 of his 20 starts to go along with solid ratios. He doesn't strike many batters out, but he's still a solid mid-tier arm.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann has faced Padres starter Clayton Richards eight times, reaching base on six occasions with three extra base hits and a 1.893 OPS.
Insight: McCann (.235, 18 HR, 57 RBI) is not performing up to last year's levels, batting just .148 over the past two weeks while dealing with a sore shoulder, but this matchup may get him going.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman is hitting .330 with four homers, 26 RBIs and an impeccable 11/18 K/BB ratio since the All-Star break.
Insight: Freeman whiffed 71 times and walked just 21 in 72 games in the first half while batting .264, so this is a major improvement all around. The first baseman also had a strong second half in 2011, hitting .292 with eight homers and 33 RBIs, though he still struck out 61 times against 21 walks. We may see a season-changing performance from Freeman over the final weeks of 2012.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn owns a .400 lifetime batting average against New York's Jonathon Niese.
Insight: Bourn (.291, 9 HR, 49 RBI) has gone 6-for-12 at the dish over his last three outings and he should enjoy similar success when he opposes Niese (8-6, 3.82 ERA) tonight on Sunday Night Baseball.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman hasn't faced Mets starter Jonathon Niese many times in his career, but when he has, it's gone well for him. So far he is batting .400 in 10 career at bats against the New York lefthander.
Insight: Freeman (.281, 14 HR, 74 RBI) will look to add to those strong numbers when he faces Niese (8-6, 3.82 ERA) again Sunday in the final game of a three-game set.
Description: Atlanta right fielder Jason Heyward enters Sunday's game with an impressive resume against Mets starter Jonathon Niese. In 11 at bats against the New York lefthander, he's hitting .455 with a home run and seven RBI.
Insight: Heyward (.270, 19 HR, 57 RBI) is hitting .310 in 42 at bats against the Mets this season and he should increase that average Sunday night versus Niese (8-6, 3.82 ERA).
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman went ballistic Saturday night against the Mets. The Atlanta slugger finished the night 2-for-4 with a homer and five RBI.
Insight: Freeman (.281, 14 HR, 74 RBI) was able to increase his second half batting average from .323 to .330 in the 9-3 Atlanta onslaught.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla is 1-for-21 in his career against Mets lefty Johan Santana.
Insight: Uggla's season has turned from bad to worse. He hit .221 in the first half and since the All-Star break is batting .200 with a .647 OPS. Sit him on Saturday.
Description: Third baseman Chipper Jones is sitting out Atlanta's series opener versus the Mets because of a sore back.
Insight: Fantasy owners have come to expect these kinds of injuries from the aging third baseman so Jones' absence Friday shouldn't catch anybody by surprise.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann is out for Friday's contest against New York because of a sore right shoulder.
Insight: McCann (.241, 18 HR, 57 RBI) got a cortisone shot in his ailing shoulder earier in the week and the hope is that he'll be healthy enough to return on Saturday.
Description: After not recording a multi-hit game since July 20, Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla has two in the last two games.
Insight: Uggla's season has turned ugly in a hurry after a solid start. In his last 52 games, the second baseman is hitting .150 with two homers and 20 RBIs. Even though he has five hits in his last eight at-bats, there's no reason to own him in fantasy leagues.
Description: Atlanta lefty Mike Minor has been excellent in his last six starts, allowing nine earned runs on 25 hits and recording a 32/8 K/BB in 38 innings.
Insight: Minor (6-8, 4.95 ERA) is a talented left-hander who struggled with his control earlier in the season but has settled down as of late. Deeper mixed league owners can take a shot with the lefty if the matchup is right.
Description: Injured Braves starter Tommy Hanson (back) has played catch each of the past two days and said his back is feeling good again, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Insight: Hanson (12-5, 4.29 ERA) may throw a bullpen session Friday in New York. The right-hander has been sidelined since the end of July with a lower back strain but he should be able to return when he's first eligible on Aug. 15.
Description: Braves starter Ben Sheets has thrown at least six innings in all five starts and allowed one run or less in four of five this season.
Insight: Sheets (4-1, 1.41 ERA) held Philadelphia to one run on seven hits in 7 1/3 innings Monday, though he failed to strike out a batter after fanning 23 in his first 24 2/3 innings. While he's not going to finish the season with a sub-2.00 ERA, he should be owned in most formats.
Description: Third baseman Chipper Jones won't be on the field for the Braves Monday night against the Phillies.
Insight: Jones (.320, 10 HR, 48 RBI) stayed behind to take care of a family matter back in Atlanta when the team traveled to Philadelphia on Sunday. He should be available for Tuesday's game.
Description: David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Braves third baseman Chipper Jones isn't having any second thoughts about his decision to retire at the end of the season.
Insight: Jones (.320, 10 HR, 48 RBI) has been terrific this season and looks like he has plenty left in the tank but after 19 seasons in the league, he seems at peace with his decision to call it quits at the end of the year. With that said, you can expect consistent fantasy production from Chipper the rest of the way in 2012.
Description: Atlanta center fielder Michael Bourn will be on the sidelines for Wednesday's matchup with the Marlins.
Insight: Bourn (.292, 8 HRs, 43 RBIs, 28 SBs) has whiffed 12 times in his past eight games, giving him 104 punchouts for the year. It's nitpicking, but hopefully for fantasy owners, Bourn can improve this area of his game and establish some better plate discipline (he's only walked 36 times in 2012) as the season continues.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann will get the night off Wednesday against Miami.
Insight: McCann (.243, 18 HRs, 56 RBIs) is coming off his most productive month of the season (.296, 9 HRs, 21 RBIs). He'll give way to David Ross (.274, 5 HRs, 12 RBIs), who is making his 27th start of the year at catcher for Atlanta.
Description: Braves righthander Kris Medlen gave up just four hits and one run over five innings in a 7-1 win over the Marlins on Tuesday night. This was Medlen's first start of the season for Atlanta.
Insight: Medlen (2-1, 2.43 ERA) replaced Jair Jurrjens in the starting rotation and he looked good doing it. Expect Fredi Gonzalez, who took the 26-year-old out after just 57 pitches in this outing, to let Medlen pitch deeper into the game in his next start.
Description: Braves starter Tommy Hanson was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain Tuesday.
Insight: Hanson (12-5, 4.29 ERA) left his start Monday due to back discomfort. He has had a disappointing season, walking 54 batters in 126 innings, but his potential makes him intriguing to fantasy owners. He should be able to return when he's first eligible.
Description: Among relevant fantasy hitters on the Braves, Freddie Freeman is the only one who hasn't had success against Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco.
Insight: Freeman is hitting .315 with 19 RBIs this month, but he is just 4-for-20 (.200) against Nolasco. Meanwhile, Jason Heyward (.353), Dan Uggla (.357), Matt Diaz (.435), Brian McCann (.346), Chipper Jones (.341) Michael Bourn (.290), and Martin Prado (.324) have all crushed Nolasco. Leave Freeman in your lineup, as he'll likely have plenty of RBI opportunities Tuesday, but don't be disappointed if he comes out with less-than-stellar results.
Description: The Cubs have traded starter Paul Maholm and outfielder Reed Johnson to the Atlanta Braves, according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman and Danny Knobler.
Insight: Maholm (9-6, 3.74) is 5-0 with a microscopic 1.02 ERA in his last six starts. The lefty has a 1.69 ERA in 32 innings in his career at Turner Field.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward has three homers in his last five games after going 15 without one.
Insight: Heyward had a tremendous June, batting .348 with six homers and 15 RBIs, but he hit just .218 with two round-trippers and 26 strikeouts from June 28 to July 23. He appears to be rounding into form again and could be in line for a solid August.
Description: Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones is a .500 lifetime hitter versus Phillies righthander Roy Halladay.
Insight: Jones (.314, 9 HRs, 42 RBIs) doesn't produce as many monster fantasy performances as he used to but Sunday has the potential to be a big afternoon for the veteran infielder.
Description: Atlanta lefty Mike Minor was lights out on Saturday. The 24-year-old limited the Phillies to one run on four hits in eight innings of work. He struck out nine without allowing a walk.
Insight: Minor (6-7, 5.18 ERA) has found his groove in July. He finished the month with a 2-1 record and a 1.98 ERA in four starts.
Description: Atlanta righthander Jair Jurrjens has been demoted to the bullpen.
Insight: Jurrjens (3-4, 7.04 ERA) teased us with a pair of strong outings against the Red Sox and Diamondbacks in late June, but since then he's been his usual erratic self (2-2, 8.66 ERA in his last four starts). You can safely drop Jurrjens from your fantasy roster.
Description: Righthander Kris Medlen will take Jair Jurrjens' spot in the Atlanta starting rotation.
Insight: Medlen has been sensational as a reliever for the Braves this season (1-1, 2.48 ERA in 38 appearances). He'll make his first start of the season Tuesday night against Miami.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward is hitless in nine at-bats against Phillies hurler Joe Blanton.
Insight: Heyward has been much improved this season after last year's failure (.227, 14 HR, 42 RBI). He's batting .267 with 15 HR, 48 RBI, 14 SB and 54 RBI, beating last year's totals in 50 less at-bats. Saturday, however, is an unfavorable matchup.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla is just 3-for-28 (.107) against Phillies starter Joe Blanton.
Insight: After a 36 HR season a year ago, Uggla has been simply ugly in 2012 batting .211 with 12 HR and a .713 OPS. He did most of the damage early as he's 20-for-145 (.138) since June 1. Sit him.
Description: Braves outfielder/third baseman Martin Prado is hitting .321 against Phillies right-hander Joe Blanton with three homers and a 1.000 OPS.
Insight: Prado doesn't get a lot of publicity, but he's a solid fantasy option batting .303 with 53 runs, 43 RBI and double-digit steals. He's also played a little at 1B, 2B and SS. Depending on your league rules he could be eligible at numerous positions.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann is a career .417 hitter versus Phillies starter Joe Blanton with three homers and a 1.292 OPS.
Insight: McCann has finally started to hit with power, batting .270 since the All-Star break with four homers and a .979 OPS. After three subpar months, its nice to see.
Description: Righthander Miguel Batista has agreed to a minor league contract with the Braves. Batista was cut by the Mets on Thursday.
Insight: Batista (1-3, 4.82 ERA) is headed to Triple-A Gwinnett, and at this point in his career (he turned 41 in February and is in his 18th season), it's possible that Batista has appeared in his final major league game.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla doesn't usually have much success against Phillies lefty Cole Hamels. In 53 official at-bats, Uggla has produced just eight hits (.151) while striking out 17 times. He does own two homers in those eight hits.
Insight: Uggla is batting just .123 over the past four weeks and .141 since June 1, so added on to this unfavorable matchup should tell you that sitting him on Friday in the correct move.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla said he is fine after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday against the Marlins.
Insight: With Uggla hitless in his last 15 at-bats, the Braves used the bruised ear as an excuse to get him a day off Wednesday. He doesn't have a concussion and should be fine to return to the lineup over the weekend. However, he shouldn't be in fantasy lineups right now as he has just 20 hits total since June 1.
Description: Braves starter Tommy Hanson was able to hold the Marlins to one run in five innings despite walking seven and allowing seven steals in eight attempts against him Wednesday afternoon.
Insight: Hanson (11-5, 4.39 ERA) has issued 51 free passes in 121 innings this season (career-worst 3.79 BB/9). The right-hander has compounded his control problems by allowing 122 hits. Despite his struggles, he's still managed to tie his career high in wins with more than two months to go.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Miami. No injury, just a day of rest.
Insight: Uggla is batting just .118 (8-for-68) over the past four weeks, so a day or two off may help. With a bat this cold, you can't play him anyway.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Miami. The oft-injured All-Star is just getting a day of rest.
Insight: Jones (.316, 9 HR, 41 RBI) is playing his best ball of the season. Hopefully the 40-year-old will benefit from the rest and continue playing at this high level.
Description: Braves starter Tim Hudson has won nine games despite missing most of April.
Insight: Hudson (9-4, 3.71) has won nine of his 16 starts this season, including Tuesday against the Marlins (7 IP, 5 H, 3 ER). He is a solid back-end starter in most fantasy formats.
Description: Braves starter Mike Minor has a 3.64 ERA in his last eight starts, including Monday's seven-inning, two-run loss against Miami.
Insight: Minor has lowered his ERA from 6.98 to 5.49 in that stretch, and though he's still too risky to start on a regular basis, he's getting closer to being streamable in deeper leagues.
Description: Braves starter Jair Jurrjens was tagged for nine hits and six runs in 2 1/3 innings Sunday against Washington.
Insight: Jurrjens (3-4, 7.04 ERA) has allowed 14 earned runs on 17 hits in 5 2/3 innings over his last two starts after putting together four straight solid outings. It's time to move on for good from the Atlanta right-hander. Even he shows some improvement in his next few starts, the potential payoff doesn't justify the risk.
Description: Braves outfielder/third baseman Martin Prado is hitting an absurd .538 for his career against Washington's Ross Detwiler.
Insight: He's hitting .279 in 43 at bats against the Nationals this season and we're thinking there's a good chance that Prado (.305, 5 HRs, 41 RBIs) will be able to improve upon that average Sunday versus Detwiler (4-3, 3.15 ERA).
Description: Braves starter Ben Sheets tossed six shutout innings for the second straight start Saturday against Washington to improve to 2-0.
Insight: Sheets has a spotless ERA and 0.92 WHIP in his first two major league starts since 2010. Though he won't maintain this level of performance as he builds up innings, the right-hander is still a must-add in all formats due to his past history of dominance.
Description: Braves reliever Jonny Venters has been activated from the 15-day disabled list for Saturday's doubleheader with Washington
Insight: Venters may have been overworked the last two seasons, as he threw 83 innings in 2010 and 88 last year. The left-hander is 3-3 this year with 43 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings, but an abnormally high 4.45 ERA. His career ERA is 2.30.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones will be on the bench for the first game of Atlanta's double-header Saturday afternoon against the Nationals.
Insight: Jones (.308, 8 HRs, 35 RBIs) returned to the Braves' lineup on Friday after a two-day absence but so far he's 0-for-3.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann will sit out the second game of Atlanta's doubleheader against Washington on Saturday.
Insight: No surprise here. McCann (.244, 15 HRs, 50 RBIs) has struggled offensively for most of the season but he's started to pick up the pace again in July (.341, 6 HRs, 15 RBIs).
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla is the rare player with great success against Washington flame thrower Stephen Strasburg. He's a career .538 hitter against the Nationals ace with a pair of homers and eight RBI in 13 at-bats.
Insight: Since June 1, Uggla is batting just .138 (17-for-123), so it may be difficult for the second baseman to keep up his production off Strasburg. The numbers, however, say to start him.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman hit his 13th homer of the season Thursday against the Giants.
Insight: Freeman showed promise when he hit .298 with six homers and 26 RBIs in his first 28 games this season but he hit just .188 with 11 RBIs over his next 27 games as he dealt with vision and hand issues. He seems to have rediscovered his stroke as of late though, batting .349 with five homers and 18 RBIs in his last 23 games as his OPS has finally climbed back above .800.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann is out of the lineup for Thursday afternoon's tilt against San Francisco.
Insight: McCann (.240, 14 HRs, 48 RBIs) homered for the fifth time in his last eight games on Wednesday night. He's hitting .324 in July after struggling mightily at the plate in June (.193).
Description: Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones will miss Thursday afternoon's game against San Francisco because of "general soreness." He missed Wednesday's game as well.
Insight: This kind of absence is to be expected from Jones (.313, 8 HRs, 35 RBIs), who has been dealing with knee trouble all season. Our guess is that after a couple days of rest, he'll be good to go Friday night when the Braves travel to Washington.
Description: Braves starter Jair Jurrjens allowed eight runs on eight hits in 3 1/3 innings against the Giants Tuesday in his first start of the second half.
Insight: Jurrjens returned to early season form Tuesday, and that's not a good thing. The right-hander went 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA after he was recalled from the minors so you can hold onto him for now, but one or two more poor starts will make him waiver-wire fodder again.
Description: Braves starter Ben Sheets' first start since 2010 Sunday against the Mets was a rousing success, as the right-hander shut out New York on two hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out five.
Insight: The effort netted Sheets his first win in more than two years. The right-hander is formely one of the most dominant starters in the National League, so he's worth an add to see if he can recapture that form while he's still healthy.
Description: Braves shortstop Tyler Pastornicky is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.
Insight: Pastornicky (.247, 1 HR, 12 RBIs) became fantasy relevant again after Atlanta's starting shortstop Andrelton Simmons (.296, 3 HRs, 15 RBIs) went down with a broken finger. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Pastornicky hasn't been able to deliver in Simmons' absence. He's 0-13 in his last seven games.
Description: Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla will be missing in action Sunday against the Mets.
Insight: This will be Uggla's third day off of the season. Uggla (.223, 12 HRs, 45 RBIs) struggled offensively during the first half but we've seen this before from him. After hitting .185 before the All-Star game in 2011, he hit .296 the rest of the way to finish the year at .233. Perhaps he'll have similar success in the second half this season.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman recorded a trio of hits Saturday in an 8-7 win over the Mets.
Insight: Freeman has contributed multi-hit efforts in four out of his last six games, including three in a row. He's raised his season average from .259 to .275 during that stretch and overall he's hitting .361 (13-36) for the month of July.
Description: Dan Uggla's swing-for-the-fences style doesn't work against Mets knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. He's just 1-for-25 (.040) against the Mets All-Star pitcher.
Insight: The Atlanta Braves second baseman is 11-for-98 over the past 30 games and hasn't produced a multi-hit game since June 5. Apparenty the swing-for-the-fences style isn't working against anybody. Sit him on Saturday.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann has been placed on the paternity leave list.
Insight: McCann ended the first half with four homers and 11 RBI in his final four games, but it looks like his second-half start will be delayed by a few days.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann is hitless in seven career at-bats versus Mets starter Chris Young.
Insight: McCann ended the first half with four homers and 11 RBI in his final four games. Expect a big second half from the six-time All-Star after a frustrating first few months, but it may not start until Saturday.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is a career .556 hitter (5-for-9) against Mets starter Chris Young with a pair of homers and a 1.822 OPS.
Insight: Jones, who was selected for his eighth All-Star Game, is batting .318 with six homers and 33 RBI in 49 games. With this favorable matchup, he's a must-start on Friday.
Description: As expected, righthander Ben Sheets will make his Braves' debut Sunday against the Mets.
Insight: Sheets has not appeared in a major league game since he started 20 times for the A's back in 2010 so we're not sure exactly what the 33-year-old will be bringing to the table on Sunday. In two minor league appearances for the Double-A Mississippi Braves this season, Sheets is 0-1 with a 5.06 ERA in 10.2 innings pitched.
Description: Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons has been placed on the 15-day DL with a broken right pinkie. He's expected to miss between four to six weeks of action.
Insight: Simmons (.296, 3 HRs, 15 RBIs) had been playing well for the Braves before the injury. Tyler Pastornicky (.248, 1 HR, 12 RBIs) is expected to fill in for Simmons in the short term, though Atlanta may be looking to acquire a shortstop as well.
Description: Braves closer Craig Kimbrel shut the door in the ninth inning Sunday to complete Atlanta's sweep of the Phillies. The save was Kimbrel's 25th of the season.
Insight: He's given up just one run in his last 22 appearances. In that span, Kimbrel (0-1, 1.36 ERA) is a perfect 15-for-15 in save chances.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla homered Sunday for the first time since June 9, but that doesn't make up for his horrific finish to the first half.
Insight: Uggla has just 10 hits in his last 95 at-bats dating back to June 6, including an 0-for-17 streak that he snapped Sunday.
Description: Braves starter Jair Jurrjens won his third straight decision Sunday against Philadelphia.
Insight: At this point last season, Jurrjens was headed to the All-Star game. After spending all of May and most of June this season at Triple-A, the right-hander has rounded back to form with a 3-0 record and 2.13 ERA in his last four starts.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann homered for the fourth straight game Sunday.
Insight: McCann ends the first half with a four homers and 11 RBIs in his final four games. Expect a big second half from the six-time All-Star after a frustrating first few months.
Description: Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons has a broken right pinkie, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Simmons hurt himself sliding into second base Sunday.
Insight: The 22-year-old Simmons made a quick splash after getting the call directly from Double-A. He hit .323 in his first 28 games, before a 1-for-14 streak knocked his average below .300. The Braves will likely have to place him on the disabled list.
Description: Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons left Sunday's game early due to a wrist or hand injury, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Simmons hurt himself sliding into second in the fourth inning.
Insight: The 22-year-old Simmons made a quick splash after getting the call directly from Double-A. He hit .323 in his first 28 games, before a 1-for-14 streak knocked his average below .300.
Description: Braves starter Ben Sheets could make his debut with Atlanta on July 15 against the Mets, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: Sheets will make his second minor league start for Double-A Mississippi Monday. If the right-hander feels well enough to join the big league club, then Atlanta will call him up to start. The injury prone right-hander will have a difficult time making it through the season, but he'll be someone to target in fantasy as long as he's healthy.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann homered for the third straight game Saturday against Philadelphia.
Insight: McCann is wrapping up a frustrating first half with a power surge. The catcher is someone to target via trade, as he will likely right the ship in the second half. The buy-low window is closing quickly, but it is still open due to McCann's .235 average so act quickly.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann is a career .381 hitter versus Phillies starte Joe Blanton.
Insight: McCann (.231, 11 HR, 42 RBI) saw his average fall to .224 during a 1-for-19 swoon that began at the end of June and carried over into July but over his last three contests he is 4-for-10 with a pair of homers and seven runs batted in. Start him on Saturday.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann's eighth inning grand slam off of Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo helped the Braves to a 5-0 win Friday night in Philadelphia.
Insight: McCann (.231, 11 HRs, 42 RBIs) saw his average fall to .224 during a 1-19 swoon that began at the end of June and carried over into July but over his last three contests he is 4-10 with a pair of homers and seven runs batted in.
Description: Despite tweaking his ankle early on in the game, Tim Hudson was able to pitch seven shutout innings Friday night in Atlanta's 5-0 win over the Phillies. Hudson allowed just four hits and one walk over 79 pitches. He did not record a strikeout.
Insight: Hudson definitely wasn't 100 percent but somehow he battled through the pain and was able to put together a pretty effective outing. With the victory, Hudson improved to 7-4 for the year while lowering his season ERA from 3.87 to 3.56.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward has seen very little success against Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick. He's just 1-for-11 (.091) against the Phillies righty.
Insight: Heyward has beem much improved this season after last year's failure (.227, 14 HR, 42 RBI). He's already matched last season's totals in 114 less at-bats.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is a career .333 hitter (7for-21) against Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick with a pair of homers and a 1.179 OPS.
Insight: Jones, who was selected for his eighth All-Star Game, is batting .317 with six homers and 33 RBI in 47 games. He's 7-for-9 since it was announced that he was invited to the "Summer Classic."
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones will receive the night off on Thursday.
Insight: Jones, who qualified for his eighth All-Star Game earlier in the week, is 7-9 over his last two games. During his current 11-game hitting streak, he's hitting .439.
Description: Braves reliever Jonny Venters has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left elbow impingement, the team announced on its official Twitter account.
Insight: Venters may have been overworked the last two seasons, as he threw 83 innings in 2010 and 88 last year. The left-hander didn't allow a run in April, but five walks in 8 2/3 innings in the month should have been a signal that something was wrong. Since then, Venters has allowed 16 earned runs on 34 hits and 12 walks in 23 2/3 innings.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn could be in line for a big day Thursday. Bourn is 10-for-17 (.588) in his career against Cubs starter Matt Garza.
Insight: Even though all of those hits were singles, Bourn (.310, 7 HR, 32 RBIs, 57 R, 23 SB) clearly sees the ball well against Garza. The outfielder is having a career year and he should be in line to continue his success Thursday.
Description: Braves starter Ben Sheets allowed four runs on five hits in five innings in his first start with Double-A Mississippi. Sheets signed with Atlanta earlier this week after not pitching in the majors since 2010.
Insight: According to Scott Coleman of SB Nation Atlanta, Sheets' fastball sat in the 89-93 range Wednesday, and his curveball looked good. The former Brewers ace will have mixed league value if he can make it to the big leagues in the second half.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman will receive two cortisone shots in his left index finger over the All-Star break, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Freeman has played through manageable pain in his finger since early June.
Insight: The hope is that the cortisone shots will help Freeman get through the rest of the season. The first baseman said the finger is tight when he grips the bat and that he gets a "jolt" when he catches some hard throws at first. Freeman hit .275 with a .697 OPS in June.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is just 1-for-11 (.091) against Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija.
Insight: Uggla is in a horrible slump batting .156 over the past four weeks (12-for-97) and has just one hit in his last 21 plate appearances. Sit him.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman hit .362 with six homers and 18 RBIs last July, and he started off this one in similar fashion. Freeman picked up two hits, including a three-run homer, Sunday against Washington.
Insight: Freeman had a power outage in June, hitting just one homer in 19 games. He still has tremendous potential, so he could be in line for another excellent second half.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann is not starting Sunday afternoon's game against the Nationals.
Insight: It just hasn't been a very good year to be a McCann fantasy owner. This season, McCann (.226, 9 HRs, 35 RBIs) is hitting for the lowest average of his career and he hasn't homered in a game since June 15. McCann is currently in the midst of a 1-16 (.063) slump and should be benched in all formats until he starts hitting again.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is the rare hitter who has been successful against Washington ace Stephen Strasburg. He's a career .545 hitter (6-for-11) with a pair of homers and seven RBI.
Insight: Uggla is in a horrible slump batting .108 over the past two weeks (4-for-42). He got his first day off on Friday night, so perhaps the rest and the favorable matchup can help him break out of the cold spell on Saturday.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones will get the day off Saturday, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: Jones extended his hitting streak to six games Thursday. The third baseman is batting .293 with six homers, 28 RBIs and an 18/20 K/BB ratio in 42 games this season.
Description: Braves outfielder/third baseman Martin Prado is out Friday against Washington due to a sore hamstring.
Insight: Prado is batting .500 in 12 at-bats against Friday's starter Ross Detwiler, but he won't get a crack at the lefty due to his injury. According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Prado will likely be back in the lineup Saturday.
Description: Braves outfielder/third baseman Martin Prado should have an excellent chance to extend his four-game hitting streak Friday against Washington's Ross Detwiler. Prado is hitting .500 in 12 lifetime at bats against the Nationals lefthander.
Insight: Prado is having a nice season offensively (.319, 5 HRs, 29 RBIs) and we'd expect that trend to continue Friday versus Detwiler (4-3, 3.09 ERA).
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn is 5-for-9 (.556) in his career against Arizona starter Daniel Hudson.
Insight: Bourn has been a huge fantasy bargain in 2012, batting .311 with a career high six home runs and a .797 OPS which is 123 points above last season. Add in his success against Hudson and Bourn is a must-start on Tuesday.
Description: Braves starter Jair Jurrjens allowed one run on three hits in 7 2/3 innings Friday against Boston. Jurrjens walked one and struck out four in his big league return.
Insight: Atlanta called up Jurrjens from Triple-A to replace Brandon Beachy even though he went 3-4 with a 5.27 ERA in nine starts with Triple-A Gwinnett. Because of that performance, and because of his 9.37 ERA in four major league starts in April, this effort is a major surprise. Perhaps the right-hander, an All-Star in 2011, will have fantasy value in deeper leagues after all. Don't pounce just yet, but keep him on your radar.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman went 0-for-3 with a walk in his return to the lineup Tuesday against the Yankees.
Insight: Freeman missed a week with a hand injury. He's in the midst of a longterm slump going all the way back to early May. In 26 games since May 7, Freeman is hitting .188 (19-for-101) with just two home runs.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla went 0-for-4 Tuesday against the Yankees.
Insight: Uggla is in a massive slump dating back to June 6, a day after he went 4-for-5 with two homers. Since then, the second baseman is hitting .082 (4-for-49). He doesn't have a run batted in his last nine games.
Description: Braves righty Brandon Beachy appears to have suffered a partial tear in his right elbow. He'll meet with Dr. James Andrews Wednesday for a second opinion.
Insight: This doesn't look good at all for the Braves. This could be a season-ending injury for the Atlanta righthander.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman is back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Yankees. Freeman has been out since Tuesday with a hand injury.
Insight: Freeman (.250, 8 HR, 37 RBI) went 0-for-7 in two games against New York last week, so you might want to wait until Atlanta's next series before inserting the Braves first baseman back into your lineup.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman won't play Monday night but he is expected to be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Yankees. Freeman has been out since Tuesday with a hand injury.
Insight: Freeman (.250, 8 HRs, 37 RBIs) went 0-7 in two games against New York last week, so you might want to wait until Atlanta's next series before inserting the Braves first baseman back into your lineup.
Description: The Braves have announced that Jair Jurrjens will start in Brandon Beachy's place Friday night against Boston. Jurrjens was 0-2 with a 9.37 ERA in four starts before being demoted to Triple-A in late April.
Insight: We figured that start would go to either Kris Medlen (1-1, 3.26 ERA) or Julio Teheran (0-0, 8.31 ERA) but it looks like Atlanta is going with Jurrjens instead. Jurrjens is 3-4 with a 5.27 ERA in nine starts with Triple-A Gwinnett this season, including a frighteningly awful performance June 1st against Charlotte (4.2 IP, 12 H, 10 R, 2 BBs, 0 Ks). It's hard to believe this guy was an NL All-Star last season. You can ignore Jurrjens in fantasy. In fact, we'd recommend you ignore him.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann isn't starting Sunday against Baltimore.
Insight: McCann (.243, 9 HRs, 31 RBIs) is 2-8 in the series with a double and a home run. David Ross (.241, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs) is filling in for him behind the plate.
Description: Braves righty Brandon Beachy has been placed on the 15-day DL with right elbow soreness after coming out of the game early in Saturday night's loss to Baltimore.
Insight: Julio Teheran wasn't anything special in his first major league start of the year last Sunday against Toronto (4.1 IP, 4 H, 4 ERs, 1 BB, 5 Ks) but he'll probably get another chance to carve out a spot in the starting rotation now that Beachy (5-5, 2.00 ERA) is out. Expect him to be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett sometime later in the week.
Description: Braves righty Brandon Beachy left the game Saturday because of a sore elbow.
Insight: Beachy's elbow was bothering him after his last start but he was cleared to pitch Saturday after throwing a successful bullpen earlier in the week. It's doubtful Beachy will make his next start and he could be headed to the disabled list. He had allowed one run in 3.2 innings before being taken out of the game.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman is out of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Orioles. Freeman has been battling a thumb injury.
Insight: Freeman's RBI total (37 in 54 games) is impressive but he is homerless in the month of June. The 22-year-old has tons of potential but given the injuries he's had this season and his high strikeout totals, he's also a big fantasy risk.
Description: Braves starter Tommy Hanson walked six batters in 5 1/3 innings Friday, but he was able to escape mostly unscathed, allowing just two unearned runs on four hits.
Insight: Walks have been the issue for Hanson this season, as he's issued 33 free passes in 81 1/3 innings, though he had walked just one in his last 15 innings.
Description: Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs Friday against Baltimore.
Insight: Simmons was called up from Double-A Mississippi two weeks ago. He's displayed some pop (2 2B, 2 HR), speed (1 3B) and plate discipline (3/5 K/BB) to go along with a .333 average in 12 games. He's worth a look in NL-only leagues but hold off in mixed leagues.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Baltimore due to his sore left thumb.
Insight: First it was his eyesight, now its the thumb. In limited playing time over the past month (16 games), Freeman is struggling, batting just .190 with a lone homer and five RBI. When you can't play everyday, you can't get on a roll and to date Freeman isn't the breakout hitter we thought he was going to be in 2012.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is questionable for Friday's game against Baltimore with his sore left thumb.
Insight: First it was his eyesight, now its the thumb. In limited playing time over the past month (16 games), Freeman is struggling, batting just .190 with a lone homer and five RBI. When you can't play everyday, you can't get on a roll and to date Freeman isn't the breakout hitter we thought he was going to be in 2012.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer Wednesday against Hiroki Kuroda and the Yankees.
Insight: McCann broke up a four game hitless streak with a couple of doubles on Tuesday night. He was just 1-for-10 coming in his career against Kuroda coming into the game, so it's a good sign that he was able to knock one out against the right-hander. It's safe to insert him into your lineup again.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is questionable for Friday's game against Baltimore with his sore left thumb.
Insight: First it was his eyesight, now its the thumb. In limited playing time over the past month (16 games), Freeman is struggling, batting just .190 with a lone homer and five RBI. When you can't play everyday, you can't get on a roll and to date Freeman isn't the breakout hitter we thought he was going to be in 2012.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward is still seeking his first hit against Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda in nine plate appearances.
Insight: Heyward has batted .313 over the past two weeks and looks like the multi-category outfielder (30 runs, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 10 SB) we expected when he came up in 2010. However, the matchup with Kuroda is not a good one for the 22-year-old outfielder ... sit him.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann has just one hit in 10 at-bats against Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda.
Insight: McCann broke up a four game hitless streak with a couple of doubles on Tuesday night, but his .239 batting average and 0.716 OPS are well below preseason expectations. Sit him on Wednesday.
Description: Braves righty Brandon Beachy will make his next start despite elbow discomfort.
Insight: Beachy had soreness near his right elbow after his latest start. However, he threw a bullpen session Tuesday and evidently feels well enough to make his next start. Beachy has a 1.98 ERA this season, best in baseball, so hopefully this isn't an issue going further.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the NY Yankees. Simply a day of rest.
Insight: Heyward has been hot this week, batting .333 with a pair of homers, but a tough matchup with lefty C.C. Sabathia is a good time to sit the 22-year-old and not let a bad day get into his head.
Description: Atlanta starter Tim Hudson has officially been given the go-ahead to start Wednesday night against the Yankees. He was scratched from his start Sunday versus the Blue Jays because of a sore ankle.
Insight: Hudson (4-2, 3.83 ERA) is the 264th-ranked player in Yahoo fantasy leagues right now, though his rank improves to 190th if you only include the last 14 days. He's owned in 69 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is probable for Monday's game against the Yankees with a bruised ankle. He was hit by a pitch in the second inning of Sunday's game and left in the eighth.
Insight: Uggla will never hit for a great average, but has above average power for the second base position. He's hit 11 HR this season with an OPS of .871 and historically is a better second half hirtter than before the All-Star break which bodes well for the rest of the season.
Description: Braves prospect Julio Teheran has been sent down to Triple-A Gwinnett, as expected. Teheran was called up to start in place of temporarily injured pitcher Tim Hudson (ankle) and was to be sent down immediately following the game regardless of performance.
Insight: Teheran allowed four runs on four hits in 4 1/3 innings against Toronto Sunday. He walked one and struck out five. The 21-year-old right-hander sports a 3.15 ERA in 11 Triple-A starts this season, but he has an ERA above 5.00 in six major league appearances.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones went 0-for-3 with a walk in his return from the disabled list Sunday against Toronto.
Insight: You know the drill with Jones. Anytime he's in the lineup he makes for a solid third base play in all formats. However, he's rarely in the lineup for an extended period of time.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla left Sunday's game against Toronto. Uggla was hit by a pitch in the ankle in the second inning and left in the eighth.
Insight: According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves removed Uggla just to give him a break with the game well out of hand by that point.
Description: Braves starter Tim Hudson says he should be able to start Wednesday against the Yankees. Hudson was scratched from his start Sunday against Toronto because of a left ankle issue.
Insight: Hudson (4-2, 3.83 ERA) threw a complete game shutout in his last start and he'll hope for similar success Wednesday against New York.
Description: Braves third baseman Chipper Jones has been activated from the disabled list and will bat third Sunday against the Blue Jays. Jones has been out with a calf injury since May 23rd.
Insight: Jones (.307, 5 HRs, 24 RBIs) is good to go. Feel free to insert him back into your starting lineup.
Description: Braves starter Tommy Hanson was terrific Saturday against the Blue Jays. He allowed only five hits and two runs in eight innings of work. Hanson also recorded four strikeouts.
Insight: Make it two solid starts in a row for Hanson after getting rocked on May 28th against the Cardinals. He lowered his season ERA from 3.71 to 3.55 in the winning effort.
Description: Julio Teheran has been called up from Triple-A Gwinnett. He'll start in Tim Hudson's place Sunday against the Blue Jays.
Insight: This will be Teheran's first appearance at the major league level this season. The 21-year-old was 1-1 with a 5.03 ERA in five games with the Braves in 2011. Teheran was 5-2 with a 3.15 ERA in 11 starts for Gwinnett before his promotion Saturday.
Description: Braves starter Tim Hudson will miss Sunday's scheduled start against Toronto with bone chips in left ankle.
Insight: Hudson is 4-2 this season after a late start due to off-season surgery with a 3.83 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. The Braves will recall Julio Teheran to make the spot start.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman is doubtful for Friday's game against Toronto with a bruised left index finger. X-rays were negative.
Insight: This finger injury doesn't appear to be anything too serious but it looks like it will sideline Freeman (.253, 8 HRs, 36 RBIs in 49 games) for a couple of days.
Description: Braves righty Brandon Beachy is a deceiving 0-3 over his past three starts despite a respectable 3.44 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. He'll face Toronto's Kyle Drabek who is 1-2 over his last three appearances with a much poorer 7.47 ERA and 1.85 WHIP.
Insight: Beachy's three losses have dropped his record to 5-4, but he still owns a league-leading 1.87 ERA. Don't let the recent losses fool you, Beachy is still a must-start.
Description: Braves outfielder Jason Heyward went 2-for-4 with two solo homers Thursday against Miami.
Insight: Heyward was 0-for-2 but he hit one blast in the seventh and one in the ninth to salvage the night in a big way. Heyward owners haven't had much to celebrate over the last two season's, but the outfielder is still just 22 and has amazing physical gifts so there's a good chance he gets going.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn went 3-for-4 with a three-run homer Thursday against Miami.
Insight: The home run was Bourn's sixth of the season, a new career high. However, he was also thrown out trying to steal for the sixth time in 21 attempts this season.
Description: Braves outfielder/third baseman Martin Prado went 2-for-5 with his fourth homer of the season Thursday against Miami. Prado hit the two-run shot in the sixth and also singled home a run in the eighth.
Insight: Prado raised his average to .324, and it's nice to see him add some pop to his game Thursday.
Description: Braves starter Mike Minor allowed one run on four hits in five innings to improve to 3-4 Thursday against Miami. However, the lefty walked a tightrope by issuing five free passes.
Insight: Minor hadn't started since May 26, as his last start was skipped due to a rainout. He had given up 35 earned runs in 31 1/3 innings over his six starts prior to Thursday, so this start was certainly an improvement but he still isn't someone we'd recommend owning.
Description: X-rays on Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman's injured left finger came back negative.
Insight: This finger injury doesn't appear to be anything too serious but it could still sideline Freeman (.253, 8 HRs, 36 RBIs in 49 games) for a couple of days.
Description: Braves starter Randall Delgado held Miami to one run on two hits in 6 1/3 innings to improve to 4-5. He walked one and struck out seven.
Insight: Delgado has improved his performance since starting out 2-2 with a 6.30 ERA. In his last seven starts, Delgado has gone 2-3 with 3.27 ERA. He has some NL-only league value.
Description: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman left Wednesday's game with a bruised left index finger.
Insight: The Braves are listing Freeman as day-to-day. The first baseman was hurt trying to break up a double play in the fourth inning. He was hit at close range by a Hanley Ramirez relay throw.
Description: Chipper Jones (calf) could go out on a short rehab assignment this weekend, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Insight: O'Brien said that Jones would attempt to talk his way into the lineup this weekend instead of going on a rehab assignment, but the team has obviously decided that he needs a short one before he can return. The third baseman got the stitches removed from his left leg Wednesday before doing sprints and taking batting practice.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla went 4-for-5 with two homers and five RBIs against the Marlins Tuesday.
Insight: Uggla has been much more consistent this season after last season's roller coaster. The second baseman now has 10 round-trippers and a .276 batting average.
Description: Braves starter Tim Hudson tossed his 13th career complete game shutout on Tuesday against Miami. Hudson held the Marlins to five hits while walking and striking out three.
Insight: Hudson has been up and down since he returned from the disabled list, but Tuesday is easily his best start of the season. The right-hander allowed 12 earned runs over his last two starts, so hopefully he can build on this and get back to where he was last year.
Description: Chipper Jones (calf) is expected to take batting practice and field grounders Tuesday.
Insight: Jones hasn't performed any baseball activities since he hit the disabled list in late May after undergoing surgery to remove fluid from his left leg. If all goes well Jones could be back in Atlanta's lineup this weekend, though the team may decide he needs a rehab assignment first.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann is in Tuesday night's lineup against Miami. McCann took a pitch off his knee just above the shin guards on Saturday and missed Sunday's game.
Insight: McCann has had a tough time staying healthy lately. He's only started in six games over the past two weeks. McCann is having an average year at the plate, batting .248 with 7 HRs and 28 RBIs in just 41 games.
Description: Braves outfielder Martin Prado has always done well against Miami's Anibal Sanchez. He's a career .444 hitter in 27 career at-bats versus the righthander.
Insight: Prado is putting together excellent numbers for an 11th-round selection, batting .327 with a .883 OPS and seven steals. He's a must-start today.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann didn't play Sunday against Washington but he could return to the lineup Tuesday in Miami. McCann took a pitch off his knee just above the shin guards on Saturday.
Insight: McCann has had a tough time staying healthy lately. He's only started in six games over the past two weeks. McCann is having an average year at the plate, batting .248 with 7 HRs and 28 RBIs in just 41 games.
Description: Braves starter Tommy Hanson bounced back from a shellacking at the hands of St. Louis by beating the Nationals on Sunday. Hanson held Washington to two runs on six hits in seven innings to improve to 6-4.
Insight: Hanson didn't walk a batter for the first time this season, which is a major accomplishment considering he averaged 3.84 BB/9 prior to Sunday. The free passes are holding Hanson back from moving to the next level as a fantasy starting pitcher, so hopefully this will start a positive trend for the Braves right-hander.
Description: Braves closer Craig Kimbrel struck out the side against the Marlins on Sunday to record his 16th save of the year.
Insight: Kimbrel hasn't allowed a hit since May 11 or a run since May 4. The right-hander has picked up right where he left of last season, when he set the rookie saves record. This year, Kimbrel is 16-for-17 in save chances with a 1.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 33 strikeouts in 20 innings.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann won't play Sunday against Washington but he could return to the lineup Tuesday in Miami. McCann hurt his knee Saturday in the Braves' 2-0 loss to the Nationals.
Insight: McCann has had a tough time staying healthy lately. He's only started in six games over the past two weeks. McCann is having an average year at the plate, batting .248 with 7 HRs and 28 RBIs in just 41 games.
Description: Braves pitcher Jair Jurrjens was knocked around by Triple-A Charlotte on Friday. The Knights got to Gwinnett's Jurrjens for 10 runs (six earned) on 12 hits (three homers) in 4 2/3 innings.
Insight: Jurrjens was sent to the minors in April to work out some issues after he gave up 17 runs in 16 1/3 innings in his first four starts of the season. It's gone just as poorly for Jurrjens at Triple-A. The right-hander, who went 13-6 with a 2.96 ERA last season and was drafted in 98 percent of Yahoo! leagues this year, has a 5.56 ERA in seven starts for Gwinnett. He's allowed 28 runs (22 earned) on 38 hits in his last 21 2/3 innings. Those holding onto Jurrjens hoping he can return to form can safely drop the righty now, as there's no guarantee he'll return to the major leagues this season.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann left Saturday's game in the seventh inning after a wild pitch by lefty reliever Jonny Venters deflected off his left kneecap.
Insight: McCann tried to stay in the game, catching a couple of warm-up pitches before exiting in pain. McCann has underwhelmed at the plate this year, batting .247 with seven homers, puttting his streak of six straight All-Star appearances in jeopardy.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is the rare batter who has had success against Nationals flamethrower Stephen Strasburg. He's faced him 10 times, walking twice and going 6-for-8 (.750) with a pair of homers and seven RBI.
Insight: Uggla is batting .400 over tha past seven games with a 1.390 OPS. After a slow start he's up to .267 with eight homers and 31 RBI. Hot hitter and favorable matchup equals must start.
Description: Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is the rare batter who has had success against Nationals flamethrower Stephen Strasburg. He's faced him 10 times, walking twice and going 6-for-8 (.750) with a pair of homers and seven RBI.
Insight: Uggla is batting .400 over tha past seven games with a 1.390 OPS. After a slow start he's up to .267 with eight homers and 31 RBI. Hot hitter and favorable matchup equals must start.
Description: Former second-round pick Andrelton Simmons will be called up from Double-A Mississippi to take over Atlanta's everyday shortstop role.
Insight: The Braves evidently grew tired of Tyler Pastornicky's lack of punch at the plate (.605 OPS). Pastornicky will be sent down and Simmons will assume the shortstop position for the Braves. Simmons was batting .292 with three homers and 10 stolen bases for Double-A Mississippi. He doesn't offer much fantasy value right now outside of NL-only leagues.
Description: Freddie Freeman, playing for the first time since Friday, homered and drove in a trio of runs Wednesday in Atlanta's 10-7 win over St. Louis.
Insight: Freeman broke out of an 0-11 slump with a 3-5 night, his fourth three-hit outing of the season. Freeman (.257, 8 HRs, 35 RBIs) had been struggling with eye problems but tonight he was sporting some new prescription goggles so his vision shouldn't be a problem going forward.
Description: Brian McCann had a productive evening for the Braves on Wednesday. He went 2-4 with a single and a home run.
Insight: McCann (.239) added four RBIs to his season total as well. The Atlanta catcher had been hitless in his previous two games. He missed several games last week because of a flu but it looks like he's finally back to full strength.
Description: Freddie Freeman is back. He'll start at first base Wednesday night against the Cardinals. Freeman hasn't played in a game since Friday because of vision problems.
Insight: Freeman will be wearing a new pair of prescription goggles to combat his recent eye trouble. He has hit .247 with 7 HRs and 32 RBIs in 45 games this season.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman's specially-made glasses will arrive Wednesday morning.
Insight: Freeman hasn't hit for the power that was expected as his .745 OPS indicates, but he has knocked in a lot of important runs (32 RBI). Fantasy owners will be glad he's back in the lineup tonight.
Description: Braves outfielder Michael Bourn hit his fifth home run of the season on Tuesday against St. Louis.
Insight: Every homer Bourn hits from here on out will set a new career high for the Atlanta center fielder. All five of Bourn's home runs have come this month, which is surprising considering he had just 12 round-trippers in 716 major league games prior to this season.
Description: Updating an earlier report, Mark Bowman of MLB.com is reporting that Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman's specially-made glasses will arrive Wednesday morning.
Insight: David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported that the glasses wouldn't arrive until Thursday or Friday, meaning Freeman would have to miss two more games. If the pair of glasses does arrive when Bowman says, Freeman will likely be able to start tomorrow night. It seems silly that so much is being made of the delivery time of a pair of sports glasses, but Freeman's 32 RBIs make him very important to many fantasy owners.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman won't receive his prescription sports glasses until Thursday or Friday, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: Freeman will miss two games while awaiting his new goggles. The first baseman is batting just .221 in May and is currently mired in a 2-for-25 slump. Hopefully the new spectacles will allow him to see the ball better.
Description: The Braves optioned right-hander Kris Medlen to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he'll stretch his arm out before joining Atlanta's starting rotation.
Insight: Medlen will get an immediate fantasy value boost by moving from middle relief to the rotation. The RHP will likely make 2-3 starts in Triple-A before getting a call back to the big leagues. The 26-year-old Medlen has made 18 starts in his career, going 6-2 with a 4.31 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 102 1/3 innings. He's worth a grab in NL-only and deeper mixed leagues. Mike Minor and Randall Delgado owners need to be on notice that each pitcher is in jeopardy of losing his spot in the rotation to Medlen.
Description: Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman missed Monday's game due to his ongoing vision problems and is questionable for Tuesday's game against St. Louis.
Insight: Hard to believe in this day and age when glasses are made in one hour that he's missed three games because he's waiting for prescription lenses. Hope we get the real story soon.
Description: Monday, the Cardinals dealt Tommy Hanson his first loss since May 7th, scoring six times in just 3.1 innings against the Braves righthander.
Insight: It was easily Hanson's worst outing of the season and it caused his ERA to soar from 3.12 all the way up to 3.84. He hasn't won a game since May 18th, when he and the Braves beat Tampa Bay by a score of 5-3.
Description: Chipper Jones underwent a procedure to remove fluid from his left leg. Jones was placed on the 15-day DL with a calf injury on Saturday, though the move is retroactive to May 24th.
Insight: It sounds bad but Jones (.307, 5 HRs, 24 RBIs) should be fine to come off the DL as soon he is eligible to on June 8th.
Description: Brian McCann isn't in the Braves' starting lineup for Sunday night's game against the Nationals. McCann is still recovering from an illness that has kept him out for much of the past week.
Insight: McCann (.254, 6 HRs, 24 RBIs) had three at bats on Friday and he did make a pinch-hitting appearance in Saturday's game so he seems to be getting better. Expect him to return to the starting lineup on either Monday or Tuesday against the Cardinals.
Description: Freddie Freeman was not in the Braves' starting lineup Saturday against the Nationals. Freeman has been experiencing vision problems.
Insight: This will be the second time in three days that Freeman has sat out because of eye issues. The Braves first baseman's average has slipped to .247 during his recent 0-11 slump.
Description: Brian McCann won't start on Saturday due to an illness. This will be the fourth straight game he's been out of the lineup.
Insight: McCann was called on to play Friday because David Ross had to leave the game with a groin injury. McCann went 1-for-3 in the game and is likely just a day or two away from being able to start again.
Description: Brian McCann didn't start on Friday due to flu-like symptoms but he entered the game in place of David Ross, who left with a right groin strain. McCann went 1-for-3.
Insight: McCann had to enter the game in an emergency situation. If he was healthy enough to play on Friday, hopefully he'll be able to start tomorrow or Sunday.
Description: Tim Hudson allowed seven runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings against Washington on Friday.
Insight: Hudson has made six starts since coming off the disabled list on April 29. He allowed two earned runs or less in four of those but six earned runs or more in the other two.
Description: Freddie Freeman will return to the Braves' lineup on Friday, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Insight: Freeman has had recurring vision problems, but he'll be back in the lineup with new contact lenses tonight. Hopefully he'll be able to solve his 2-for-20 slump now that he can see more clearly.
Description: Chipper Jones (calf) is out of the Braves' lineup again on Friday.
Insight: Jones (.307, 5 HRs, 24 RBIs) said his calf injury was feeling worse on Thursday than it was Wednesday, so there's no telling how long he'll be out of the lineup.
Description: Braves catcher Brian McCann is doubtful for Friday's game against Washington with flu-like symptoms.
Insight: McCann hasn't played since May 21 against Cincinnati. He's also 1-for-19 in his last five games, so perhaps the break will turn out to be a good thing in the long run.
Description: Michael Bourn hit his fourth home run of the season on Thursday.
Insight: Bourn now has more home runs in the past three games (3) than he did all of last season (2). Even if this power display doesn't last, Bourn is still having a career year for Atlanta, hitting .315 with 13 stolen bases and 30 runs scored in 46 games.
Description: Chipper Jones is out again on Thursday. He continues to deal with a nagging calf injury.
Insight: Jones (.307, 5 HRs, 24 RBIs) did appear as a pinch-hitter in Wednesday's loss to the Reds so perhaps he's close to making his return. He hasn't been in the Braves' starting lineup since last Friday.
Description: Homer Bailey probably isn't who Dan Uggla wants to see on the mound Thursday night. Uggla is batting a mere .182 (2-11) against the Cincinnati righthander.
Insight: Uggla homered in Wednesday night's ball game, but you're probably better off with him in on your bench tonight against Bailey (2-3, 4.34 PM).
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann (flu) was scratched from the Braves' lineup on Wednesday.
Insight: McCann is 9-for-18 with four homers in his career against Reds SP Bronson Arroyo, so we would have liked to see him back in the lineup tonight. He initially was, but apparently he's still dealing with the flu-like symptoms that kept him out of the lineup on Tuesday.
Description: Chipper Jones is not in the Braves' lineup again on Wednesday. This will be the fifth straight game the third baseman has missed with a calf injury.
Insight: Jones owners need to consider whether his propensity for getting hurt and his overall need to rest his aging body outweigh his production when he's in the lineup. Right now, you'll keep his .307 average and .857 OPS, but if he starts to struggle, don't hesitate to drop him for someone who will play more frequently.
Description: Atlanta catcher Brian McCann "owns" Reds starter Bronson Arroyo. In 18 at-bats, McCann has collected nine hits (.500) including four homers and seven RBI.
Insight: Hopefully, McCann is over the flu-like symptoms that kept him out of Tuesday's game because this matchup is one-sided in the Atlanta catcher's favor.
Description: Michael Bourn crushed two homers Tuesday in Atlanta's 4-3 loss to Cincinnati.
Insight: Bourn also doubled to deep center field, giving him three hits on the night. Bourn usually isn't much of a home run hitter (Tuesday's blasts were only his second and third homers of the season) but he has hit for a high average this season (.323) and he's one of the most dominant base stealers in the major leagues (13-18 on steal attempts this season). He deserves to be starting in every format.
Description: Braves oft-injured third baseman Chipper Jones isn't expected to play for the Braves again until Wednesday or Thursday due to his calf injury.
Insight: Juan Francisco will get the starts with Jones sidelined and did hit a home run on Monday night, but doesn't show enough with the bat to install into your lineup.
Description: Chipper Jones isn't expected to play for the Braves again until Wednesday or Thursday. Jones, who hasn't played in a game since Thursday, is out with a bruised calf.
Insight: Juan Francisco has been getting the starts at third in Chipper's absence but he isn't somebody you want to pin your fantasy hopes on. He's batting .224 with 4 HRs and 12 RBIs in 66 at bats this year.
