Recapping Mike Foltynewicz’ time with Atlanta Braves
By James Kunkle
By now as we have all heard, the Atlanta Braves have decided to designate Mike Foltynewicz for assignment.
And just like that, the Evan Gattis trade the Atlanta Braves made a few years ago with the Houston Astros has no more impact on either team. All players in that deal have moved on in some shape or fashion.
It was not very long ago at all that the Atlanta Braves thought Mike Foltynewicz was the future stud in their rotation. He was the guy that we were going to pair with some of the prospects and watch this rotation grow and flourish.
It was less than two years ago when Folty finished 8th in the NL Cy Young race and it was almost a certainty for a while in the late summer of 2018 that you were going to get 6 or 7 innings of 1 run ball with close to double-digit strikeouts for the game.
The 2019 season started off pretty bad but we all come to realize that Mike was dealing with bone spurs in his elbow and he ended up possibly being the best pitcher on the staff for the August and September months.
He was handed the ball in game 2 of last year’s division series and outpitched Jack Flaherty and it seemed as though all was right again.
Then, of course, we all know what happened next. The game five blowup and a spring training of dismal results were to follow.
Monday night’s game was no better and what was more alarming was the velocity was simply not there and I do not think that was by design. Something is not right with Mike Foltynewicz at the moment and hopefully it can get fixed.
It will not help the Atlanta Braves at all, but hopefully, wherever he goes, he will get it back and figure it out once again.
Sure, the blowups were there from time-to-time and the inconsistency was maddening. However, I do not think anyone saw this being the end result that quick.
Between that and the way Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker handled it post-game, leads me to believe that there is much more there than what meets the eye.
Besides, Mike has always seemed a bit aloof and can seem un-coachable, but only a few of us will ever know the real truth.
Again, there is simply too much talent there and he is still young enough where a host of teams should and will be interested.
For whatever reason though, the Atlanta Braves have decided to cut bait and sell for pennies on the dollar.
Here’s to hoping it works out for all parties involved.