Atlanta Braves News: Atlanta suffers third straight loss, Sean Murphy begins rehab assignment Tuesday, More

It was another unforgettable performance for the Braves on Sunday.

Unfortunately, this time it was arguably the Braves’ worst performance of the entire season in a 9-1 loss to the Padres. The Braves struggled on the mound, at the plate and in the field. After having back-to-back days off last Wednesday and Thursday, Atlanta was hoping Ronald Acuna Jr. could provide the spark needed at the top of the order. However, Acuna Jr. still finds himself searching for better results:

If there’s a glimmer of hope, the Braves will start their two best pitchers, Reynaldo Lopez and Chris, on Monday during their doubleheader. Getting at least one win will have to feel good as the Braves look to overcome their struggles this weekend.

Braves News

On a more positive note, wide receiver Sean Murphy is expected to begin his rehab assignment on Tuesday. Murphy has been out since the first game of the season due to an oblique strain.

Elsewhere, Travis d’Arnaud will likely start Game 2 on Monday while Austin Riley continues to improve without pain.

Ray Kerr, who once again looked very good for several innings on Sunday, could possibly get the opportunity to start at some point this season, according to Brian Snitker.

Reliever Jackson Stephens has elected free agency. He had been squared away at Triple-A when the Braves reinstated Pierce Johnson from the injured list on Saturday.

According to Bob Nightengale, the Braves may be interested in Tampa Bay right-hander Zach Eflin as a potential trade target. Eflin, who has a 4.12 ERA in 10 starts this season, finished sixth in the AL Cy Young race last year. It is also signed until 2025.

The AJC’s Justin Toscano looks to make sense of the Braves’ latest struggles on Sunday.

Mark Bowman looks at how Ronald Acuna Jr. is trying to handle his rough start to the season.

Making his debut on Monday, Chris Sale looks almost as good as he did at the peak of his career.

David O’Brien explains how Sale, Lopez and Marcell Ozuna have been the Braves’ most reliable sources of success so far this year.

Braves Podcast

Grant McCauley released his latest podcast From the Diamond on Sunday.

Battery Power’s Brad Rowland and Garrett Spain examine the latest from the Braves’ minor leagues and Atlanta’s lack of offense on the latest Hammer Territory podcast.

MLB News

The Phillies continue to roll with a sweep of the Nationals on the weekend. They are now 20 games above .500 at 34-14 and five games ahead of the Braves in the NL East.

The Mets dominated the Marlins on Sunday after changing the batting order.

Shohei Ohtani delivered his first game with a Dodger.

In the latest MLB.com power rankings, the Phillies remain the best team in baseball with the Braves in 5th place.

Reliever Amir Garrett hit free agency after his stint with the Angles.