Atlanta Braves News: Six fewer losses, Michael Harris confident and more

For the first time since 2017, the Atlanta Braves have lost six straight games. Friday night’s 8-4 loss to the New York Mets extended the Braves’ losing streak and dropped them to third place in the NL East.

Charlie Morton started the game and lasted only 2.2 innings. He gave up seven runs, five of them earned.

Adam Duvall hit two home runs and Marcell Ozuna hit a solo shot, but otherwise the lack of timely hitting continued to be the Braves’ problem.

Atlanta falls to 54-48 and looks to rebound today with Spencer Schwellenbach on the mound.

More Braves news:

After his recent transfer to the 60-day injured list, Michael Harris II is confident he’ll return to the lineup in mid-August.

AJ Smith-Shawver, Drake Baldwin, Hurston Waldrep and Nacho Alvarez Jr. each landed on Fangraphs’ midseason top 100 prospects list.

AJ Smith-Shawver rounds out Battery Power’s top 30 prospects list.

EJ Exposito scored twice for the Emperors of Rome on Thursday. More in the minor league recap.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Justin Toscano describes the multiple paths to the World Series in the latest Braves Dispatch.

MLB News:

The New York Mets have designated left-hander Josh Walker for assignment. The move was made to clear a roster spot for Ryne Stanek, who the club acquired from the Seattle Mariners.

The Chicago Cubs have acquired minor league outfielder Gilberto Celestino from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations.

San Francisco Giants pitcher Keaton Winn will undergo season-ending elbow surgery Monday after being placed on injured reserve a month ago with elbow inflammation.

The A’s reinstated pitcher Paul Blackburn from the disabled list on Friday. In his return, he pitched three innings and allowed four runs.

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired reliever Cole Sulser from the New York Mets in a cash trade. The 34-year-old was sent to Triple-A Durham.

The Baltimore Orioles acquired right-hander Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for three prospects. To open up a roster spot, the Orioles designated right-hander Vinny Nittoli for assignment.

The Seattle Mariners have acquired right-hander Yimi Garcia from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for outfielder Jonatan Clase and a minor league player.

The Detroit Tigers have placed outfielder Riley Greene on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain.

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired outfielder Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-hander Seranthony Dominguez and outfielder Cristian Pache.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have traded left-hander James Paxton to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for a minor league player.

The Seattle Mariners have received star outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays. In exchange, the Rays are getting two prospects and a player to be named later.