Top Five Reasons Atlanta Braves will be ready for postseason
By Seth Carter
Some believe the Atlanta Braves may not have a legitimate shot to do damage this postseason. Here are five reasons why I beg to differ.
Some fans and pundits believe that while the Atlanta Braves are one of the most talented teams in baseball, this may not be the season for them to take the crown. Even on our most recent podcast, the discussion seemed to center around the understanding that without Soroka and the rest of our pitching problems, the Braves needed to give the young guys a chance because there wasn’t a lot of hope for the 2020 season.
I’m paraphrasing and completely understand and agree with where my esteemed colleagues were coming from. However, I do have a sense of optimism about this team, especially after another comeback win last night!
So, allow me to indulge in perhaps an overabundance of optimism.
Atlanta Braves – Starting Pitching Reinforcements
It’s no secret that outside of Max Fried the Braves are at a loss when it comes to starting pitching. Max Fried dominated the Phillies last night and now we are all holding our breath and praying Robbie Erlin can go three innings with limited damage today. Kyle Wright was optioned back to the alternate site. Touki Toussaint has been good once and struggles to locate his fastball.
After the signing of Cole Hamels, it appeared that the Braves starting rotation was going to be one of the team’s strengths.
We envisioned something like this:
- Mike Soroka
- Max Fried
- Cole Hamels
- Mike Foltynewicz
- Kyle Wright/ Sean Newcomb/ Felix Hernandez/ Someone will step up!
Hamels still has not pitched for the Braves due to injuries. Foltynewicz showed up a thinned down version of himself with diminished velocity. His fastball averaged 89.3 in his lone outing of the season. He was blasted by the Tampa Bay Rays in just 3.1 innings on July 27.
The former fireballer was barely touching 90 mph while walking four, allowing three homers, and six earned runs. And that was it…
He was designated for assignment and cleared waivers. The Braves outrighted him to the alternate training facility. The Braves have been working on strength training with Folty. Remember, he was an All-Star in 2018 and bounced back from some early injury issues in the first half of 2019 to post a 2.65 ERA in the second half.
Cole Hamels, on the other hand, is expected to throw a bullpen next week and could be back for the stretch run.
More #Braves pitching notes per AA: Cole Hamels expected to throw bullpen next wk. "He's feeling great & we think he's really turned the corner."
— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) August 21, 2020
Folty has gained 10lbs, they've worked to strengthen his arm & legs. Team hopes to get him in SIM gm in Gwinnett by end of month.
If we can get one or both of these guys stretched out and productive before the postseason, that can make a substantial difference in the betting odds. Sometimes it just helps to visualize things.
- Max Fried
- Cole Hamels
- Mike Foltynewicz
If it looks like this, I’m breathing easier. Maybe Touki is able to continue his progression; perhaps Tomlin is the answer as a backend of the rotation guy who should be fully stretched out by the end of the season. We could be in really good shape.