Atlanta Braves Mike Foltynewicz exits Tuesday’s game against the Mets with a tricep injury
By Jeff Schafer
Braves Folty has tricep tightness in throwing arm, but hopefully it’s not that bad
The Atlanta Braves defeated the New York Mets in game one of their two game series 8-2, but may have lost their starting pitcher. I say may, because it sounds as though his exit was just precautionary.
The 26-year-old went five innings on Tuesday night, giving up two hits, no walks, and six strikeouts. He’s actually been pretty impressive early in 2018. In his 14 starts, he holds a 2.16 ERA with 33 walks and 94 strikeouts in 74 innings.
Around the 8th inning, the Braves broadcast announced that Folty was removed from the game because of tricep tightness. Immediately, the worries began. An elbow injury could be extremely bad and one that would take him out of the game for a long time.
After the game, pitching coach Chuck Hernandez told the media that he noticed Folty dropping down a bit with his mechanics in the 4th & 5th inning so they decided to make a change.
Folty told the media that he first experienced the pain after his last start and then during a bullpen session over the weekend. The tightness popped back up again in the 4th inning.
Since it’s only June 12th, I would hope the Braves decide to take the slow boat on this one. Let him sit out a start or maybe go on the 10-day DL to make sure everything is okay.
Thing is though, it sounds as though everyone thinks he’ll be able to make his next start one week from tonight…Tuesday of next week against the Blue Jays.
“There were a couple times in the fourth and fifth where I was tweaking my mechanics to get through it…There is nothing to worry about."@Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz on how he is feeling after leaving the game with triceps tightness. #Braves | #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/5UnVMx6K67
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 13, 2018
His words were “nothing to worry about” well then, good sign!
Folty’s fastball was down about 94-95 in those middle innings and the command was a little off, but he seemed to be pitching really well. Mets hitters looked lost at the plate and it was great to watch.
If the right-handed missed any time, Braves would have some options. Luiz Gohara, Kolby Allard, Max Fried, or Matt Wisler. Braves will be getting Mike Soroka back from the DL on Wednesday and Julio Teheran seems to be doing well in his return.
Next: Are there too many problems to solve in 2018?
If, and I continue to say if because this sounded precautionary, Atlanta does have a couple pitchers to start a game or two. My pick? That would be Mr Kolby Allard. But that wouldn’t be to just start a game or two, I think he belongs in the bigs and will be by at least July.
Really hope Folty is good to go next Tuesday, he’s been fantastic to watch in 2018!