Atlanta Braves Fifth Starter: Top Contenders

Feb 23, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz (48) throws during spring training workouts at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Foltynewicz (pronounced FOL-TEN-EH-VICH) – RHP

The only righty in this particular mix of contenders, Mike may well be the top contender for the coveted fifth spot!

With so much love for former Atlanta Braves’ Evan Gattis, Folty might not get many hugs initially from fans (although Freeman will make up for it). Mike was traded by the Houston Astros for Evan Gattis.

Mike was a 19th overall draft pick in the first round in 2010 out of Illinois, and has already gotten some big league experience, tossing for nearly 19 innings for the Houston Astros.

With a fastball that regularly clocks in at around 95-98 mph, Mike can punch that up to 3 digits at times, and has shown an amazing curveball (although inconsistent). He also has a changeup that has some scouts’ heads turning.

Any time a pitcher can hit those speeds and throw in some junk to boot, he’s a good prospect, but the downside to Folty has been his inconsistency, a slightly flawed delivery that could lead to injury, and an obvious lack of command at times.

Some scouts think he is long-term more of a reliever, but so far I like what I’ve read about and seen from Mike. I think he has the best chance of being that fifth starter.

Check out a little YouTube video of Folty, courtesy of Crawfish Boxes….

Next: Conclusion or Illusion?