Atlanta Braves: Mike Foltynewicz Ready to Lead Rotation after 2nd Rehab Start

After making his second rehab start on Tuesday, Mike Foltynewicz is poised to return to lead the Atlanta Braves starting rotation.

Atlanta Braves starters have looked much better the second time through the rotation, but they are still missing that leader at the top.

Mike Foltynewicz started becoming that guy last year and was poised to become the team’s ace in 2019.

However, those plans were put on hold when Folty elbow soreness on February 24. He would later say he had similar issues during the 2018 season but was able to pitch through the pain.

Just to remind everyone, last year Folty posted a 2.85 ERA in 183 innings pitched (31 starts) with 202 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.08.

Folty was shut down in Spring Training after throwing just two innings, but he quickly started throwing again and worked his way back into shape.

He made his first rehab start on April 4 with Gwinnett and was spectacular over 5 innings not allowing a hit, while walking out two and striking out two over 56 pitches thrown.

His second outing, which came on Tuesday, wasn’t quite as great statistically as he gave up 2 earned runs on 4 hits and a walk over 3.2 innings pitched with 5 strikeouts.

However, the game was delayed for nearly 30 minutes after the first inning. During that time Folty continued to throw in the bullpen, which is why he was limited to just 61 pitches during the game.

The goal for Folty in his second rehab start was to get him up to 70-80 pitches. With his work in the bullpen, he almost certainly hit that mark.

It hasn’t officially been announced yet, but Folty’s next start should be with the Atlanta Braves, and that could come as early as this Sunday against the New York Mets on Sunday Night Baseball.

Having him back healthy and in the rotation will be a huge boost for the Atlanta Braves.

Fortunately or unfortunately, it will be hard to decide who he will replace because everyone has pitched so well lately.

The Braves could go to a six-man rotation and have Folty, Kevin Gausman, Sean Newcomb, Julio Teheran, Max Fried, and Kyle Wright.

But if I had to guess, I would think either Fried or Wright is the odd man out. And if it’s Fried, I think he could go back to the bullpen.

It’s great to have options, and it’s great to finally see our starters getting healthy. I can’t wait to have Folty back atop the Atlanta Braves starting rotation.