Julio Teheran: The Next Braves Pitcher to Fall From Grace?

For the past two seasons, Julio Teheran has been the Atlanta Braves’ ace.

A highly touted prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization for years, Julio Teheran was consistently ranked in the Top 10 of Baseball America’s Prospect List. Since his début in 2011, Teheran has demonstrated his potential; and despite growing pains initially, has developed into the Atlanta Braves top starting pitcher over the past two seasons.

In his first full year in the big leagues in 2013, Julio Teheran pitched well, possessing a 3.20 ERA and a record of 14-8. The Braves signed him to a lucrative contract extension last season for six-years and $32 million.

Last season, Julio Teheran improved even more, going 14-13 and having a 2.89 ERA for the year. He also earned his first All-Star selection for the National League, though he was unable to play in the game.

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This season has been a different story for the Atlanta Braves star pitcher. He has struggled with consistency and has found it difficult to maintain his command. He currently owns a 4.56 ERA and 6-4 record, while possessing a WHIP of 1.36.

Julio Teheran has always had trouble getting run support, but this season a lack of run support is not the culprit of his struggles. There is less movement on his pitches, he is walking more batters, and opposing players have a slugging percentage of .440 against him. What could be the source of his regression?

“Julio Teheran has always had trouble getting run support, but this season a lack of run support is not the culprit of his struggles.”

Signs point to an unidentified injury that is affecting Julio Teheran’s ability to pitch effectively. However, Teheran and the Atlanta Braves are adamant that nothing is wrong him. Though the Braves’ claims may seem legitimate, this would not be the first time a star pitcher has fallen from grace right as they were entering their prime.

Jul 9, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher

Jair Jurrjens

(41) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Tommy Hanson, another top pitching prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization, experienced a similar regression in performance after becoming the Braves ace. He found success from 2009-2011, earning an All-Star appearance and consistently leading the league in ERA. Then without warning in 2012, his ERA sky-rocketed to 4.44, leading to his exit from Atlanta in a trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for RHP Jordan Walden.

Another star pitcher who experienced almost the same drop in success was former Atlanta Braves All-Star Jair Jurrjens. Ranked as the Braves’ third best prospect in 2007, Jurrjens quickly ascended into the rotation and placed third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2008. In 2009, Jurrjens finished third in the National League with a 2.60 ERA. Finally in 2011, Jurrjens went to his first All-Star Game, leading the league in ERA (1.89) and wins before the All-Star Break. Then, unexplainably, Jurrjens hit a wall. His ERA skyrocketed to 6.26 following the ASG and began to struggle with a surgically repaired right knee.

The next season in 2012, Jurrjens began with an 0-2 record and a 9.37 ERA. He was later demoted and not tendered a contract at the end of the season. Something caused him to completely fall off a cliff and become a liability to the Braves pitching staff.

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