Braves' Spencer Strider Has Strong Words After Athletics Loss originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Starting pitcher Spencer Strider is in his fifth major-league season as a member of the Atlanta Braves. The right-hander was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft and made his big-league debut in 2021.

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy’s name has surfaced in the trade rumors. While Murphy has been solid this season, hitting 13 home runs with a .787 OPS, the Braves may be open to a deal thanks to the rise of young catcher Drake Baldwin.

Strider has allowed three or fewer earned runs in his past seven starts, posting a 3.16 ERA in that stretch after opening the season 0-5.

The silence that filled Braves clubhouse after a 5-4, 11-inning setback against the Athletics on Thursday night created the same somber mood you'd see after a season-ending postseason loss.

The Atlanta Braves play against the Athletics in an MLB game tonight. Fans can watch this game for free online.

Acuña helped lead the Braves to a 9-2 win against the Athletics — just their third victory in 13 games — a day after an embarrassing 10-1 series-opening loss. The Braves hit a season-high five homers, with others from Drake Baldwin, Austin Riley and Marcell Ozuna, who hit his first in 22 games, since June 13.

The offense didn’t stop there as Matt Olson singled, Austin Riley doubled, and Drake Baldwin smacked a three-run homer over the wall in right-center to make it 4-0 in the blink of an eye. It was the first time all season the Braves scored four runs (or more) in the first inning.

ESPN handed out midseason grades for all 30 MLB teams, and spoiler alert, the Braves did not score well. The club received an “F” for its first-half performance, making it one of three organizations (with the Rockies and Orioles) to earn a failing grade.