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LHP Hunter Cervenka Next Up for an Atlanta Braves’ Debut

By Alan Carpenter

Mar 7, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Hunter Cervenka (83) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Hunter Cervenka (83) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lefty Cervenka Being Added to Replace Dan Winkler, Get Some Outs

His name sounds like someone signed from some obscure Czechoslovakian Independent league by a scout who was on vacation, but Hunter Cervenka is actually a Texan by birth, and this 26-year-old is about to be thrown into the dumpster fire that has been the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen over the first week of this still-new 2016 season.

The Braves have been wringing their hands over the need for an effective left-hander to support Eric O’Flaherty since well back in the Spring campaign.  Cervenka stood out, though the team was understandably reluctant due to his inexperience (only 13 innings above AA) and the fact that he wasn’t on the 40-man roster.

All that has now been tossed aside and Hunter will be in uniform tonight at the Washington Navy Yards as the Braves open a 4-game set against the Nationals.

Go get ’em, kid.

The Hunter, Not the Hunted

Cervenka was drafted by the Red Sox in 2008 out of high school in the 27th round.  From there, he’s progressed oh-so-slowly through the minors.  In 2012, he was part of a trade that sent Marlon Byrd to the Red Sox at that time.

In reviewing his career, Hunter has truly improved over time, but not without some issues along the way.  His walk rates started very high, but have dropped into the 2-4 per 9 innings range since Atlanta acquired him in 2015.  He’s also striking out roughly 1 batter per inning and his ERA rates have been dropping overall.

The Cubs cut bait on him in 2015 after a dismal 13 innings at AAA.  Atlanta picked him up then and he finished strong at AA Mississippi before jumping onto the radar screen during Spring Training.  He was re-assigned to Mississippi to start the season, and has continued to pitch well, albeit only in 3 innings of work thus far.

Next: Is it Really Time to Panic Yet?

Clearly, this is an ’emergency’ call-up, but with limited options, Cervenka looks to be the right choice.  We congratulate him on the debut and hope he can give the rest of the bullpen… some rest.

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