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Atlanta Braves: 3 bold predictions in spring training

By Jake Mastroianni

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 13: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves reacts to flying out during the sixth inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on July 13, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 13: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves reacts to flying out during the sixth inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on July 13, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves
A glove and the rosin bag sit on the mound. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /

Tucker  Davidson makes the Opening Day rotation

A lot of fans are probably focussed on Ian Anderson in spring training and wondering if he could break camp in the starting rotation, but I’m here to tell you that Tucker Davidson is the one to keep an eye on.

I’ve been talking Davidson up all offseason and have mentioned in various areas that he’s my dark horse candidate to earn a spot in the starting rotation.

One of the main reasons for that is because he’s already on the 40-man roster — unlike Anderson — so his path to the big leagues is a lot easier.

But it’s still an uphill battle for the soon-to-be 24-year-old who posted a 2.03 ERA in 21 starts in Double-A last year with 122 strikeouts in 110.2 innings.

He finished the season at Triple-A where he had a 2.84 ERA in 19 innings with 12 strikeouts.

With Cole Hamels out through at least April, there are two open spots in the starting rotation.

Sean Newcomb is likely destined to take on of those spots, but if he continues to struggle with walks I could see the Braves moving him back to the bullpen.

I’m sure the Braves would love to see Felix Hernandez find some magic and make a couple of starts for the team in April, but that would also require a 40-man move.

And then there is Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson who are likely ahead of Davidson in the pecking order. But those two have a lot to prove this Spring as well.

While I certainly hope it doesn’t happen, there’s a chance that another Braves pitcher gets banged up in spring training, making the chances of Davidson being on the opening day roster even better.

I just really feel like Davidson is a mature pitcher who the Braves can count on to give you some quality starts at the big league level this year if needed.

It would not surprise me at all if he has a good Spring that he’s in the team’s starting rotation to start the season.

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