Atlanta Braves: Projected Future Rotation in 2016
By John Buhler
Jul 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Shelby Miller (17) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
. RHP. Brownwood HS, Brownwood, TX. Shelby Miller. 17. player. 17
In his first season with the Atlanta Braves, RHP Shelby Miller has been arguably the team’s best player. Though he has a sub-.500 record as a starter (5-8), Miller is having his best season as a big leaguer. Shelby represented the Atlanta Braves in the 2015 Mid-Summer Classic in Cincinnati, Ohio with his impressive sub-3.00 ERA all season (2.44 currently).
I love his competitiveness to keep the Braves in games despite getting abysmal run support in almost every start he has pitched in since mid-May. He honestly should have double the wins he has on the season. If he was still with St. Louis, he could have 12 by now.
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But I’m glad that Shelby Miller is on the Atlanta Braves roster for at least the next three seasons after this. Working with Pitching Coach Roger McDowell has helped Shelby get better command of his sinker and pitch down in the zone more effectively. Miller seems to have a good rapport with current starting catcher AJ Pierzynski as both were part of the 2014 St. Louis Cardinals.
While we throw around the term ‘ace’ very loosely in terms of the best pitcher on a staff, I think Shelby Miller is well on his way to becoming that with the Atlanta Braves. Most pitchers couldn’t handle this string of bad luck and still keep his ERA under 3.00. I can’t wait to see just how dominating Shelby Miller can pitch for us when he finally starts to get some run support. Hopefully that is sooner than later. Worst case scenario: Miller is the starter for the home opener in SunTrust Park in Spring 2017.
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