ATLANTA -- The Braves have a little more than two weeks to strengthen their bullpen before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. But they have the choice to immediately alter the top of their lineup with the hope of jump-starting their recently stagnant offense.
Leadoff hitter Ender Inciarte endured another hitless night and the Braves were not able to muster enough offense against Zack Godley to overcome Sam Freeman's latest costly walk in a 2-1 loss to the D-backs in front of a SunTrust Park-record crowd of 42,130 on Friday night.
Anibal Sanchez provided six strong innings, then handed the ball to Freeman, who issued a one-out walk to Daniel Descalso before heading toward the bench to see former Braves prospect Nick Ahmed greet Dan Winkler with a go-ahead RBI single.