Braves Rumors: Freddie Freeman returns to Atlanta again

Freddie Freeman will always have fond memories of the ATL, but last season's first trip home hit a little different.

The Braves were the only organization Freeman had ever known. It made his decision to leave all the more difficult. When he came to Atlanta for a series against the Braves last season, all the emotions rushed back, so much so that Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers needed some assurance that he embraced the Dodger Way just a week later.

Since then, Freeman has been worth the money and more. He made the NL All-Star team last year and is on his way to another appearance, this year in Seattle. As for the player himself, he's expecting this week's series to come with a 'business as usual' approach, rather than an emotional letdown.

"A little bit different. I am looking forward to it, I had so many special times there. Obviously, being a World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves, I have so many special memories. I can't wait to see some of my old friends again. I am looking forward to it, probably not going to be as many tears this time around, but I am looking forward to it but it'll be a little bit different this time," Freeman said, via SportsNet LA.

Freeman hit .348 with a double, two home runs, four runs batted in, and a 1.117 OPS in six games against Atlanta last season. Dodgers fans will settle for that, no matter the number of tears shed.

Braves Rumors: What did we learn about the starting rotation?

Perhaps a trade can wait to fix the Atlanta Braves rotation, and Alex Anthopoulos is thankful that's the case.

Jared Shuster won his first major-league start over the weekend. Alicia de Artola wrote about the prospect's steady improvement from what's been a tough start to the season:

"In his first three starts, Shuster was 0-2 with an ERA of 7.24. However, his most two recent starts have shown real promise. In a 7-4 loss for the Braves on May 16, he went five innings giving up three hits and three runs…Atlanta topped the Mariner's 3-2 as Shuster ralled from giving up a second-inning home run to Jarred Kelenic. He left the game after the sixth inning with a 3-1 lead. Despite a Jose Caballero home run in the top of the eighth, the Braves bullpen held on for the win."

The difference between early-season Shuster, who was shot out of a cannon in many ways, and now is a stint in Triple-A. The rookie credited that time with honing his craft, and learning to trust his teammates.

"I'm just trying my stuff and trusting my catchers and trusting everyone behind me," Shuster said. "In Triple-A, we work on some things and try to get right. I'm much more comfortable now."

Catcher Travis d'Arnaud noticed the same thing, as Shuster bounces back quickly from mistakes, rather than letting it get to him.

"He seemed much more calm," d'Arnaud said. "Regardless of whether he made a pitch or made a mistake, he tried to stay even-keeled the whole time."

Shuster is using his secondary pitches far more often in these past two starts, including his changeup and slider, than he did in spring training and to begin the year. It's a lesson most young pitchers learn when they come to the bigs — blowing away the competition isn't an option in the major leagues.

With Shuster's emergence, expect the Braves to use less bullpen games moving forward, which should please a fanbase tired of that approach.

Braves Rumors: Atlanta made the right call waiting on Aaron Hicks

The New York Yankees DFA'd struggling outfielder Aaron Hicks over the weekend, marking the end of a saga only broadway could out-perform. Hicks has been dreadful for several seasons now — likely with a lingering injury of some sort — and marks a clear failure by the Yankees front office and Brian Cashman.

It was Cashman who repeatedly stuck his neck out for Hicks despite every statistic telling him otherwise. As Hicks played his way out of any particular role with New York, the Yanks were left with the uncomfortable option of likely eating the remaining $27.6 million on his contract.

No team should do the Yanks the favor of claiming Hicks, as they would be forced to take on the rest of Hicks deal. Hicks, who is out of options, will be available for free in a matter of days.

For the Braves, this represents another outfield option, and perhaps one who just needed a change of scenery. As soon as Joey Gallo was traded, Yankees fans needed another scapegoat, and they found one in Hicks. With Hicks gone, that title will likely be handed down to Josh Donaldson, who is currently on the injured list. Gallo has played surprisingly well since leaving the Bronx. Could Hicks follow suit?

As the Yankees eat the money, Hicks should receive another major-league opportunity, perhaps even with a contender. Hicks doesn't have to be an everyday option. FanSided's Kevin Henry already listed the Marlins, Padres and Twins as potential landing spots for Hicks.

While Marcell Ozuna has played better of late, the Braves outfield depth chart could use an upgrade. If Hicks can even play to half of his ability, he can give Eddie Rosario, Sam Hilliard and Kevin Pillar a run for their money.

Admittedly, I was wrong about the Braves as a trade suitor for Hicks. They've managed without him and, quite frankly, they're better for it. But now that he's available for virtually nothing, it might be worth considering.