The Daily Chop: Offense explodes, Fried returns, Futures Game selects, and more

Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty ImagesThe Braves beat the brakes off the division-leading Mets on Wednesday, scoring 20 unanswered runs in a 20-2 victory. The offense exploded, breaking out of a recent slump in very convincing fashion, which begs the question: can Atlanta find a way to perpetuate their success with the bats?

Entering play on Thursday, the Braves will have an opportunity to pull within 3.5 games of the Mets for the division lead. Having the offense rolling from top-to-bottom would obviously make things easier, but just seeing Freddie Freeman and Ozzie Albies break out in big ways on Wednesday inspires some confidence. Atlanta may have to find external help at some point over the…