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Five Atlanta Braves Pitchers Who Can Be a Difference Maker

By W. M. Lawson

May 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Eric O'Flaherty (34) pitches during the sixth inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won the game 5-0. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Eric O'Flaherty (34) pitches during the sixth inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won the game 5-0. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Braves enter 2017 with expectations of winning. To do that, though, one, or more, of these five pitchers need to have a breakout year.

3. SP-Mike Foltynewicz (R)

Atlanta Braves
Mar 11, 2017; Jupiter, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz (26) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Gary Foltynewicz is one of the “young kids” of this group at the ripe old age of 25. Drafted by the Astros with the 19th overall pick in the 2010 Draft, he made his major league debut in August 2014. In 2016, his 2nd year with the Braves, Folty showed some improvement posting a 9-5 record in 22 games with an elevated 4.35 ERA. Like most young pitchers, Folty has struggled working the outside of the plate and keeping his pitches down.

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That said, this spring Folty has posted a 2.66 ERA in 23.2 innings, but also recorded 18 strikeouts. If Foltynewicz can take that next step, and become a reliable starter in the rotation, and keep big innings of the books, the Braves will be better than even optimistic fans expect.

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