Warning to bettors looking at the PHI/ATL game tonight. Brian McCann, the Braves' All-Star starting catcher, was hit on his catching hand during a swing last night, re-injuring his ring finger that he bruised while attempting to put down a bunt last week. His backup, Brayan Pena, was then injured on a backswing to the head. He probably has a concussion.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the top prospect in the Braves organization, the top Catching prospect in baseball and one of the Top 10 overall prospects in baseball, has been called up and will start behind the dish tonight for the Braves.
Odds are Pena will go on the DL, "Salty" will start for McCann for several days and then back him up once he can play. This kid is a fantastic switch-hitting catcher who has hit over .300 in a few minor-league years. He absolutely crushes the ball. Given that McCann is locked up with the Braves and, with Joe Mauer is probably the best young catcher in baseball, Salty's future with the Braves is up in the air. He may be moved to 1B or traded for starting pitching or LF, the Braves' two major needs. He would be huge trade bait and could command a serious price in trade.
Just a heads up for those of you looking at this game.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the top prospect in the Braves organization, the top Catching prospect in baseball and one of the Top 10 overall prospects in baseball, has been called up and will start behind the dish tonight for the Braves.
Odds are Pena will go on the DL, "Salty" will start for McCann for several days and then back him up once he can play. This kid is a fantastic switch-hitting catcher who has hit over .300 in a few minor-league years. He absolutely crushes the ball. Given that McCann is locked up with the Braves and, with Joe Mauer is probably the best young catcher in baseball, Salty's future with the Braves is up in the air. He may be moved to 1B or traded for starting pitching or LF, the Braves' two major needs. He would be huge trade bait and could command a serious price in trade.
Just a heads up for those of you looking at this game.