Teheran Excels, Braves Make Cuts
By Jeff Schafer
Julio Teheran took the mound for his fourth start of the spring Tuesday afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Braves 22-year-old top prospect is looking to rebound after a struggling 2012 season and to win the fifth spot in Atlanta’s rotation.
A multiple exposure image of Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) throwing against the Detroit Tigers during the top of the fourth inning of a spring training game at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
This spring before the Cardinals game, Teheran has thrown nine innings in three starts. He has struck out 12 batters while only allowing four hits (one of which was a home run) and two earned runs. Dating back to 2012 winter ball, Julio has gone 25-2/3 innings while only giving up six hits and two earned runs.
On Tuesday afternoon, Teheran struck out six in five hitless innings on their way to a 12-3 win against the Cardinals. Julio picked up his first win of the spring season and has impressed even the skipper, Fredi Gonzalez said post game “He’s been great, he’s matured. He’s polished himself up a little bit and he’s looking good.” Teheran has increased his movement with his best two pitches, his two-seam fastball and the changeup that have been catching hitters off guard.
Knowing the Braves need him to step up and position himself into the rotation, Teheran has done everything he could to be worthy of that spot. I see his success continuing through the spring and into the season. I think he’s got the confidence back that he needs to be the top prospect he is.
BRAVES MAKE CUTS
Before the game the Braves emptied 10 lockers from Champion Stadium and optioned those guys to the minors to begin their seasons there. One of the 10 caught me by surprise at first, INF Joe Leonard who has been getting a fair amount of playing time. In 19 games so far, Leonard appeared in 14 of them but only had four hits in 15 attempts and started only one game. Really nobody shocking was cut on Tuesday morning, the others that were cut included pitchers Cory Rasmus, Juan Jaime, Aaron Northcraft, Ryan Buchter, Yohan Flande and Gus Schlosser. Additionally, catchers Luis De La Cruz, Braeden Schlehuber and Jose Yepez were the final ones who didn’t make the first cut.