The Braves were embarrassed by the Pirates on Monday. The pitching was bad, the offense was worse, and the hypothetical momentum of a thrilling Sunday victory quickly evaporated with every run the lowly Pittsburgh offense pushed across. Meanwhile, the Atlanta offense had baserunners all night and still managed to score only one run. It was among the most excruciating viewer experiences you will find in baseball: watching your team get smoked by a bottom dweller. Luckily, the Braves have two more opportunities to right the ship.
Ian Anderson will draw the start for Atlanta, looking to build upon his last start against the Mets that saw the right-hander battle through seven innings against Jacob deGrom.