Braves Honor Eric Hartman as Minor League Player of the Year

Atlanta named Eric Hartman its minor league player of the year, while the club sorts out its playoff pitching plans and potential first-round opponent.

The Atlanta Braves enjoyed a scheduled day off Monday, but plenty remains unsettled with the postseason fast approaching. The club still does not know which opponent it will draw in the opening round, and decisions about the playoff pitching staff are expected to be finalized over the coming week.

One roster question involves reliever Robert Suarez. The Braves want certainty that he is ready to help, and he could come off the injured list within days and appear in a major league game this week.

In the farm system, Baseball America tabbed Eric Hartman as the Braves' minor league player of the year. Hartman ranked among the most surprising breakout performers in all of the minors this season. Right-hander Brett Sears also drew recognition, earning Southern League All-Star honors after a strong year of his own.

Around the majors, Alex Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures when struck by a foul ball, yet he intends to make it back for the playoffs. In the National League, the Cubs, Padres, and Phillies will spend the final week settling which three clubs claim the wild card berths.