Atlanta Braves Mike Foltynewicz Impresses In 2nd Start, Improves Chances To Make Opening Day Rotation
By Jeff Schafer
Atlanta Braves pitcher, Michael Foltynewicz, had a horrifying September in 2015 when he had to be taken to the emergency room because he was experiencing swelling and redness in his arm. He had surgery to remove half of one of his ribs because of blood clots.
A scary situation for anyone, Foltynewicz is on the road to recovery as he’s attempting to make the Braves Opening Day starting rotation. A feat that many didn’t think was realistic.
Folty made his 2016 debut on March 17th against the Washington Nationals. He threw two innings, gave up one walk and a home run which lead to two runs. He had one strikeout in this game.
On Tuesday, Foltynewicz was back on the mound against the Houston Astros. He pitched 3.2 innings, gave up two hits, one walk, one run and totaled five strikeouts.
Folty is officially a strong 5th starter candidate after today's impressive 3.2 IP (2 hits, 1 BB) vs. the Astros' regular lineup.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 22, 2016
The #Braves don't want to rush Folty, but it was telling they sent him back out for the 4th inning. Can make 3 more starts before April 12
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 22, 2016
Braves beat writer, Mark Bowman mentions the April 12th date because the Braves have two off days in the first week of the regular season. They will probably not use five starting pitchers in this week so the first time the Braves would need Folty would be on April 12.
Foltynewicz is set for two more starts during the Braves Spring Training and could get in a Triple-A start with Gwinnett prior to being ready on April 12.
The Braves did lose to the Astros on Tuesday, but who cares. They are also now 6-15 for the 2016 Spring Training, but who cares. It’s great to see Foltynewicz out on the mound and pitching well. His secondary pitches looked sharp today and in his last start it was reported that he touched 97mph on the radar gun.
Given the names of Julio Teheran, Matt Wisler and Bud Norris as the Braves three starting pitchers, the question that looms is who will take the final two spots.
Veteran pitcher Jhoulys Chacin looks like he’s pitched well enough and shown he’s healthy and capable of getting major league batters out. Chacin looks like he’ll fill into the fourth starting pitcher for Opening Day for the Braves. With Folty’s timetable laid out, it looks as though he’s a strong candidate for the fifth starting spot.