Atlanta Braves option Mike Foltynewicz to Gwinnett
By Fred Owens
The Atlanta Braves optioned starter Mike Foltynewicz to AAA Gwinnett Sunday morning. The Braves had to make a change after the 27-year old righty allowed eight runs in four innings of work.
The 2018 season saw the Atlanta Braves‘ tall right-hander have a break-out year, pitching to a 2.83 ERA while posting a 1.08 WHIP and striking out 202 batters in 183 innings. In the process, he only walked 68.
This season’s been a disaster for Mike Foltynewicz since early in spring training. On February 28, the Braves scratched Foltynewicz from his start due to discomfort in his right elbow.
The Braves then shut him down completely, and he started the season on the 10-day injured list. He returned to the rotation on April 27 against the Rockies and gave up six runs on six hits including two home runs in six innings of work.
Maybe all of those sixes were trying to tell us something. In Foltynewicz’ first ten games, we saw flashes of the pitcher who took had his way with the National League last season, but his performances remained painful to watch.
Sunday morning going down
Foltynewicz entered Saturday’s game with a 2-5 record after allowing 34 runs, including 15 home runs, in 55 1/3 innings; striking out 48 and walking 18.
That translated to a 5.53 ERA, 6.03 FIP, and 1.34 WHIP. Saturday’s eight runs in four innings pushed that ERA up to 6.37 and forced the Braves hand.
Foltynewicz knows he’s letting his teammates down and accepted responsibility without excuses.
That was about as emotional as I've seen Folty in a postgame presser.
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) June 23, 2019
"It's just frustrating. I've got a seven ERA on a first place team. I'm going to get mad at myself when I know I can get people out easier than I have been. It just sucks, end of story" #Braves @680TheFan
He appeared to expect the demotion or at least removal from the rotation.