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’ skid and placed them at third in the NL East.

Charlie Morton got the start and lasted just 2.2 frames. He surrendered seven runs, five of them earned.

Adam Duvall homered twice, and Marcell Ozuna hit a solo shot, but apart from that, a lack of timely hitting continued to be the story for the Braves.

Atlanta falls to 54-48 and looks to bounce back today with Spencer Schwellenbach on the hill.

More Braves News:

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

AJ Smith-Shawver, Drake Baldwin, Hurston Waldrep, and Nacho Alvarez Jr. each landed in Fangraphs’ Midseason Top 100 Prospects List.

AJ Smith-Shawver rounds out Battery Power’s list of Top 30 Prospects.

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

Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes up the multiple paths to the World Series in the latest Braves Dispatch.

MLB News:

The New York Mets designated left-hander Josh Walker for assignment. The move came in order to open a roster spot for Ryne Stanek, who the club acquired from the Seattle Mariners.

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