Clayton News Daily

Photo by Heather Middleton

Major leagues

Jason Heyward (Atlanta Braves): The former Henry County standout has struggled at times with injuries during his second season in the big leagues. Heyward comes into the weekend series with the Reds batting .229 with 10 homers and 26 RBIs. He hit a two-run homer Thursday in the Braves win at Colorado.

Kyle Davies (Kansas City Royals): The Former Stockbridge High School standout and Atlanta Braves' pitcher has struggled with injuries that included a trip down to the minor leagues for a couple of rehab starts. Davies has just 1-9 record with 44 strikeouts and 26 walks to go along with his 7.32 ERA.

Japanese Central League

Matt Murton (Hanshin Tigers): The former Eagle's Landing and Georgia Tech standout might have had a roller coaster ride when it came to trying to stick with a major league club for a full season, but in Japan, Murton has become a star.

Murton, who spent periods of time with the Cubs, Rockies and Athletics in the big leagues, leads the Central League of Japan with a .325 average. He also has 10 home runs.

Minor Leagues:

Luke Murton (New York Yankees-High Class A): In his second year of professional baseball, the former power hitting first baseman at Eagle's Landing and Georgia Tech is batting . 265 for Tampa of the Florida State League. Murton has seven homer runs and 47 RBIs.

Isaiah Froneberger (Colorado Rockies Low Class A): After a case of turf toe sidelined the former Forest Park standout for several months, Froneberger is pitching again. In only 16 innings this year, he has 18 strikeouts and 7 walks.

Scott Robinson (Colorado High Class A): In 62 games this season, Jason Heyward's former high school teammate is batting .233 in Modesto. He has 23 RBIs and has struckout 53 times and walked 11.

-- Doug Gorman