Atlanta Braves announce starting pitching staff through Wednesday

Braves have Spring Training starting pitchers planned out thru Wednesday

Over the course of the next month, the Atlanta Braves actually have a strong starting pitching competition lined up…and that’s not a joke.

This battle may go all the way up until the end of March as the Braves have only a couple “locks” in their starting five. The locks — depending on a crazy trade or injury — would be Julio Teheran and Mike Foltynewicz. Really, that’s all I would say are locks as of today.

As Alan talked about this morning, Luis Gohara is dealing with a strained groin and will be behind on workouts. Since it’s extremely early still in Spring Training, Gohara absolutely still has the chance to make the Braves Opening Day starting rotation. But, we can’t put him in as a lock right now.

The other pitchers fighting for a starting rotation spot would be — Sean Newcomb, Brandon McCarthy, Max Fried, Scott Kazmir…as well as long shots Matt Wisler and Lucas Sims.

Spring Training battles are always entertaining, but this one is going to be one we’ll want to keep our eyes on. Say everyone does well, we could be looking for trading partners. Say all struggle, we could be looking to sign a free agent that is still without a team.

There are actually some quality veteran pitchers out there in the free agency market still without a team. Over the past few years the Braves have been known for signing veteran pitchers to give them an opportunity and then flip them. This year, this process could be tough since we already have quality arms that need the innings, but right now we have no idea what new GM Alex Anthopoulos will do.

As for the next few days in Spring Training….

More from Braves News

Today, we’ll see Sean Newcomb on the mound. After that, this is how the Braves starting pitchers will line up….

Sunday – Scott Kazmir against the Nationals

Monday – Julio Teheran against the Nationals

Tuesday – Mike Foltynewicz against the Pirates

Wednesday – Brandon McCarthy against the Mets

An early projection for Braves starting rotation

Braves beat writer Mark Bowman tweeted out a very interesting note this morning. He said…with the Braves having two off days within their first eight days, the Braves wouldn’t need a fifth starter until April 11th. This would give Gohara an extra week or so to be ready for the season.

You never want to push an injury, especially an injury with a pitchers legs. So I expect the Braves to be extra cautious here with Gohara.

Next: Atlanta Braves Spring Game 1 recap

For this exercise, I’ll give five starters…

Teheran
Folty
McCarthy
Newcomb
Kazmir

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