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Atlanta Braves: Projected Future Rotation in 2016

By John Buhler

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Jul 29, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz (48) pitches during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

. RHP. Minooka HS, Minooka, IL. Mike Foltynewicz. 48. player. 17

This is tough trying to figure out who will become the 5th starter for the 2016 Atlanta Braves.  I see there being four worthy contenders already in the organization.  Mike Foltynewicz has a powerful fastball and at times shows traces of dominance while on the mound.  That is until he starts giving up the long ball.

AAA Prospect Tyrell Jenkins has had a great first year in the Atlanta Braves organization since coming over in the Shelby Miller deal with the Cardinals.  Veteran LHP Mike Minor could rehabilitate after missing all of 2015 and work his way back into the Atlanta rotation.  And Williams Perez has great off-speed stuff and would add another lefty into the mix.

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It’s close but I see Folty as the guy to beat in this race as he has more upside than Perez, better health than Minor and more Big League experience than Jenkins.  When Mike Foltynewicz figures out how to pitch more efficiently by establishing a strong secondary pitch, whether that’s a slider, change-up, or even a splitter, he could make it as a Big League starter for the Atlanta Braves.

Worst case scenario: the secondary pitch doesn’t develop as the organization intended and Mike becomes a great late-inning relief pitcher.  His mound presence and effective wildness seems like it would translate very well to either a setup or a closer role if the starting rotation isn’t in the cards for Folty.

It’s still a big question about where Atlanta plans to use Mike Foltynewicz on their pitching staff, but one thing is certain: he is very much a part of it and Atlanta is lucky to have a strong, versatile asset in Mike Foltynewicz.  I bet the Atlanta Braves go into next season with Folty as the 5th starter until it either becomes obvious that he needs to go into the bullpen or he progresses to give Atlanta five solid young arms all 25 or younger in 2016.

Next: Hector Olivera: Cornerstone for Re-Tooled Braves?

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