The Atlanta Braves All Star Catcher Brain McCann is expected to be in the Braves Lineup tonight as Atlanta travels to Cincinnati for a early week series. McCann wrapped up his Rehab Assignment Sunday with Triple A Gwinett and looks to get back into Big League playing form recovering from shoulder surgery. McCann hit 20+ HR's in five of last six seasons but had a career low .230 average in 2012. Evan Gattis filled in for McCann very well this year behind the plate and was voted the NL Rookie Of The Month for the month of April. Gattis even with McCann's return may see playing time in this series at First Base or the Outfield. McCann's return should provide Atlanta leadership and a veteran presence thay may help turn around a 6 of 17 skid while starting out the season 12-1. Leadership and fundamental hitting will be critical if Atlanta hopes to improve on their losing seven of nine last Road Games. Maholm is 3-0 2.76 ERA in his last five outings vs. Cincinnati and 5-1 2.62 ERA in his last 12 vs. the Reds as well. Maholm went deep into his last start lasting eight innings Pitched allowing only two Runs and 3 Hits in a 2-0 loss to Washington. Run Support has plagued Maholm with Atlanta only scoring one run in his last three starts. Arroyo is 2-0 2.86 ERA in his last three Home Starts and 2-0 3.26 ERA in his last five vs. Atlanta as well. Cincinnati takes pride in their Home ERA checking in at 2.32 ERA a MLB best. Cincinnati is coming off a three game sweep of the Cubs and looks to extend their MLB best 12-4 Home Record tonight at Great American Ballpark. McCann's return could not be more timely for this series as he is 9 for 18 with four HR's vs. Arroyo and .364 in his last 13 games vs. Cincinnati. Brandon Phillips who still may a little banged up after the weekend is .370 six RBI's in last seven games and .353 four HR's vs. Maholm. Run Production will be crucial for Atlanta tonight as the Braves have only scored 20 Runs in losing seven of eight to Cincinnati including six straight at Great American Ball Park. McCann's presence in the lineup tonight may be a source of extra motivation for Atlanta but McCann will need a total team effort if Atlanta hopes to eat into Cincinnati's stellar Home Record and overall record in this NL Matchup. Source: ESPN MLB Preview.
McCann and Gattis in Braves lineup may pay dividends vs Arroyo and even with his strong 2-0 2.86 ERA has coughed up many HR's in the past. Phillips may be a little sluggish according to today's preview from a minor injury yesterday but should be in lineup tonight. Phillips really has some great numbers vs Maholm and in this matchup overall. With all the other hitters through both lineups including Freeman Uggla Votto Bruce the focus today will be Over 3 1/2 First Five Innings - 125 looking for some possible long balls out of Great American Ball Park. Cincinnati Scores First +105 and First HR a Two Run HR + 230 also for small Props for the evening.
Braves got two runs in first two innings and both teams have scratched out a few more for a 4-2 score after Five Complete Innings for a winnner on the focus play but two duds on the small Props. Good ball game so far with a huge crowd for Monday. The Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati looks like a very fun atmosphere to attend a MLB game. Would like to see it in person someday before I am old and grey.
