Braves Briefing: Atlanta keeps drafting right-handed pitchers
The Atlanta Braves concluded the second day of the 2023 MLB Draft by making eight additional picks, bringing their total to eleven selections in the 2023 MLB Draft. Notably, eight out of the eleven chosen players are pitchers, which may not come as a surprise since the Atlanta Braves are renowned for their trust in the scouting and development teams when it comes to identifying and nurturing starting pitchers.
However, what catches attention is that all eight pitchers happen to be right-handed. Yes, every single one of them.
During a media session today, Assistant Director of Amateur Scouting Ronit Shah addressed this observation, assuring everyone that it's merely a coincidence. "We're always in search of talented arms," he commented via a video call. "You can never have enough pitching. But, as we discussed yesterday, our focus remains on selecting the best players available on our board."
Out of the three position players chosen thus far, one is an infielder, and the remaining two are outfielders. Atlanta seems to prioritize pitchers with specific analytical qualities that align with their preferences, while the position players, for the most part, possess the versatility to contribute defensively while also making an impact with their hitting abilities.
Check out the full recap of the second day of the MLB Draft here.
Atlanta's Picks in the 2023 MLB Draft
Round 1 Pick 24 Overall - Hurston Waldrep/RHP Florida
Round 2 Pick 59 Overall - Drue Hackenberg/RHP Virginia Tech
Round 2c Pick 70 Overall - Cade Kuehler/RHP Campbell
Round 3 Pick 94 Overall - Sabin Ceballos/SS Oregon
Round 4 Pick 126 Overall - Garrett Baumann/RHP Hagerty HS
Round 5 Pick 162 Overall - Isaiah Drake/OF North Atlanta HS
Round 6 Pick 189 Overall - Lucas Braun/RHP Cal State Northridge
Round 7 Pick 219 Overall - Justin Long/RHP Rice
Round 8 Pick 249 Overall - Cory Wall/RHP William & Mary
Round 9 Pick 279 Overall - Riley Gowens/RHP Illinois
Round 10 Pick 309 Overall - Pier-Oliver Boucher
NL East Standings
At the All-Star Break, Atlanta has a 8.5 game lead in the division
| Team | Record | GB | Run Differential |
|---|---|---|---|
Atlanta | 60-29 | -- | +147 |
Miami | 53-39 | 8.5 | -5 |
Philadelphia | 48-41 | 12.0 | +9 |
New York (Mets) | 42-48 | 18.5 | -3 |
Washington | 36-54 | 24.5 | -83 |
We wrote it
Atlanta's first pick of the second day was third baseman Sabin Ceballos from Oregon.
Braves Today's Lindsay Crosby wrote the following report.
The 6'4 Ceballos, a Puerto Rican native who has mostly played SS in his career, divided between Oregon and San Jacinto State JC, was announced as a third baseman but it's still up in the air where he'll play - he spent time behind the plate in the MLB Draft league and has some versatility, albeit not a lot of speed. He profiles as a bat-first option with a carrying hit tool, and his power ceiling is thought to be up to average.
Highlights from the MLB Home Run Derby
No Braves chose to participate, but it was still a highly entertaining contest. Toronto's Vlad Guerrero Jr won the event, similar to how his father won the event back in 2007.
What's next for the Atlanta Braves?
Six of the team's eight All-Star selections will be playing in tonight's All-Star Game - pitchers Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder are in attendance but are not throwing after starting for Atlanta over the weekend. Three Braves position players - OF Ronald Acuña Jr (batting 1st), C Sean Murphy (batting 7th), and SS Orlando Arcia (batting 9th) are starters for the event. The game is being broadcast by Fox Sports, with a scheduled broadcast start of 8PM ET. The pitching matchup is Arizona's Zac Gallen representing the National League vs New York (Yankees) pitcher Gerrit Cole for the American League. We'll have full highlights from your Atlanta Braves players and their performances right here on Braves Today.
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