Braves Weekly Watch: World Series contenders Padres and Astros await

After a week against two rebuilding teams, the Braves have two World Series contenders up next with back-to-back series against the Padres and Astros.

After a relatively easy week against some of MLB’s rebuilding franchises, the Atlanta Braves will have a tall task in front of them as the World Series contending San Diego Padres and last year’s champion, the Houston Astros.

The Braves dispatched the Cincinnati Reds by sweeping the NL Central bottom-dwellers in three games. It wasn’t all fun and games, however, as every Braves victory was by just a single run. After that, it was off to Kansas City for another series sweep over the Royals.

This week will not offer the same cupcake schedule, however. Atlanta will get three games on the road against the team that beat them in 3-of-4 at Truist Park. The Padres will not be intimidated. Next up will be the defending champion Astros. Walking away from this week with a winning record will be no easy task.

DIRECTV carries the most local MLB games, so die-hard baseball fans with the CHOICE package or higher can stay connected to their teams all season long with their regional sports networks, where available (Blackouts and additional fees may apply). 

Here’s what Atlanta Braves fans should be watching for this week:

April 17 vs. San Diego Padres

Projected Pitching Matchup: TBD vs. Ryan Weathers

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker has yet to name his starter for Monday’s game at Petco Park in San Diego, but the Friars will be sending Ryan Weathers to the hill. You can bet your bottom that after losing 3-of-4 to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Padres will be looking to get off the blocks quickly in the upcoming series versus the Braves.

April 18 vs. San Diego Padres

Projected Pitching Matchup: Spencer Strider vs. Blake Snell

Tuesday night’s pitching matchup will be a doozy, as Spencer Strider will go toe-to-toe with Blake Snell. The Braves right-hander went five innings against the Cincinnati Reds last week and allowed three runs on four hits while punching out nine.

April 19 vs. San Diego Padres

Projected Pitching Matchup: Charlie Morton vs. Nick Martinez

Several Padres hitters have had success off Charlie Morton in the past. The trio of Nelson Cruz, Xander Bogaerts, and Matt Carpenter all have a batting average of .300 or better against the Braves’ Wednesday night starter. Juan Soto has taken Morton deep twice in eight at-bats.

April 21 vs. Houston Astros

Projected Pitching Matchup: TBD vs. TBD

Both Brian Snitker and Dusty Baker have yet to announce their starters for the upcoming series, but the Atlanta Braves are likely to send both Kyle Wright and Bryce Elder to the hill at some point during the Houston Astros’ three-game visit to Truist Park.

April 22 vs. Houston Astros

Projected Pitching Matchup: TBD vs. TBD

The Braves are riding high after winning six straight games and 8-1 away from home. Strangely, however, Atlanta is 4-3 at Truist Park so far this season. Ronald Acuña Jr. and company will be hoping to turn that around when the defending World Series Champions come to town this week.

April 23 vs. Houston Astros

Projected Pitching Matchup: TBD vs. TBD

Sean Murphy has been one of the hottest players in baseball this past week. Over his last seven games, the Braves catcher is hitting .391/.500/1.043 with three home runs and 11 RBIs. With Atlanta’s Travis d’Arnaud on the IL with a concussion, the Braves have had to lean heavily on Murphy and the former A’s backstop has delivered. Atlanta is hoping the hot hitting continues this week as well.