Atlanta Braves vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions July 23rd 2024

Chris Sale Hopes to Start Second Half Strong When Braves Face Reds

The Atlanta Braves intend to snap a three-game long string of failures as ace Chris Sale takes the hill against the meeting Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.

Outline of the Series

The Reds got a 4-1 triumph over the Braves on Monday in the opener of a three-game series, denoting the primary experience between the two groups this season.

Pitching Matchup: Chris Sale versus Scratch Martinez

Chris Sale, with a 13-3 record and a 2.70 Time, will confront Cincinnati’s right-hander Scratch Martinez, who holds a 3-5 record and a 3.88 Period. Martinez is set to make his initial beginning since May 22.

Chris Sale’s New Presentation

Sale is holding back nothing continuous win. In his latest trip against the San Diego Padres on July 14, Sale pitched five innings, permitting only one sudden spike in demand for four hits. This undeniable the tenth time in 18 beginnings that he has restricted adversaries to one run or less.

With his triumph over San Diego, Sale turned into the 6th pitcher in Braves establishment history to get something like 13 successes before the Elite player break, noted TSN. John Smoltz was the last Atlanta pitcher to accomplish this, with 14 successes before the break in 1996.

“A warrior,” Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud said of Sale. “Just ready to pitch any time he has the ball. Wants the ball every inning. He’s not afraid of anybody, and I think that speaks volumes to any pitcher, especially when somebody comes back from a little rut that he had in his career. To come back and be who he is and who he was is pretty special.”

“Nick Martinez’s Recent Performance”Nick Martinez’s Recent Performance

Martinez has made 28 appearances this season, including five starts. He has delivered three consecutive scoreless outings out of the bullpen, with the most recent one being on July 14 against the Miami Marlins, where he pitched one inning.

Career Performances Against Opponents

Chris Sale Against the Reds

In his only previous start against Cincinnati, Sale allowed one run and five hits over 3 2/3 innings on June 1, 2023.

Nick Martinez Against the Braves

Martinez has faced Atlanta four times in his career, making three starts. He has a 1-1 record with a 3.86 ERA against the Braves.

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Motivational Bus-Ride Talk

The Reds drew inspiration from a motivational bus-ride talk given by veteran catcher Luke Maile, who is currently on the 10-day injured list with a herniated disc.

“What he said was fantastic. It was perfect timing,” Reds right-hander Hunter Greene said. “It was professional and we needed it. He’s been a leader all year. It definitely motivated me. I know it motivated the rest of the team. When you have somebody like that who cares a lot and puts himself in position to be a leader and to pick the boys up, it’s always important.”

Cincinnati’s Base-Stealing Prowess

Cincinnati showcased its aggressive base running on Monday, stealing four bases. The Reds lead the major leagues with 143 steals this season. Elly De La Cruz leads the league with 49 stolen bases.

Atlanta Braves Roster Updates

The Braves might still be without third baseman Austin Riley, who left Monday’s game in the ninth inning as his wife went into labor.

Additionally, Atlanta signed utility man Whit Merrifield on Monday. However, he was injured while taking grounders and suffered what was initially feared to be a fractured finger. X-rays were negative, and Merrifield is listed as day-to-day.

“Can’t make it up,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. “This year is something else.”