Atlanta Braves: With Hamels injury, is Newcomb a lock for the starting rotation?
By Josh Mathews
Atlanta Braves fans should be excited about what Sean Newco mb could bring to the table. After a bullpen rebirth, he’s getting another chance at the starting rotation in 2020.
The Atlanta Braves acquired Sean Newcomb in November 2015 in the trade that sent Andrelton Simmons to the Angels. We also acquired Chris Ellis in the deal, but at last check he was toiling in minors with Kansas City.
Since the trade, Simmons has developed his offense to go with his Platinum-Glove-level defense, and thus far, the Atlanta Braves have lost the trade and has been regarded as one of the worst moves of the rebuild.
However, ‘Newk’ may have something to say about that this year.
There was a lot to love about Newk coming into the Atlanta Braves organization. He’s your stereotypical big lefty: 6-5, 255 pounds. He throws hard and has great stuff. However, as with many pitchers, it’s his command that’s been an issue.
Flashes of brilliance
It’s easy to forget that Newcomb won 12 games as a member of the starting rotation in 2018. It’s also surprisingly easy to forget that he had an outside chance at an All-Star selection for a while that year.
After his June 22 start during that season, his record stood at 8-2. His ERA was 2.59. He had ten quality starts. However, in his next three starts he was roughed up for 12 runs and 23 baserunners (11 walks) That effectively ended his All-Star bid.
After the break, Newcomb was very up and down. On July 29, he almost brought the house down at Suntrust Park. Against the Dodgers, Newcomb struck out eight and walked just one batter, taking a no-hitter 8.2 innings deep before a single by Chris Taylor broke up the bid.
Many fans criticized manager Brian Snitker for leaving him in the game too long, as he ended up throwing 134 pitches.
Newcomb continued a roller coaster effort, and after a tough start to 2019, he was sent to the bullpen.