ATL All Day
Fansided

Mike Foltynewicz Nearing Return for Braves

By Jonathan Savitske

facebooktwitterreddit

Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz was sent to the Disabled List during the first week in September due to a rib injury.

Since his departure from the Braves rotation, Mike Foltynewicz has been fighting pneumonia. Because Williams Perez was recalled from AAA Gwinnett so quickly after his demotion, the first day that Mike Foltynewicz is eligible to return from the Disabled List is on September 14.

-= Related: Tim Hudson: Former Brave Set to Retire at Season’s End =-

Mike Foltynewicz played his first game of catch for the first time in more than a week due to the symptoms he was experiencing. Because of his illness, he lacked strength and constantly felt fatigue.

Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez was asked by MLB.com’s Mark Bowman about Folty’s state as he recovers from this illness, stating:

"“”He hasn’t done anything, I think he’s just been laid out. We’ll see where he’s at, but I can’t tell you it’s going to be Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday. We don’t know if he’s going to start or we’ll just get him out of the ‘pen and let him go an inning or two.”"

It remains to be seen in what capacity Mike Foltynewicz will be utilized once he returns, especially as there will only be two and half weeks left in the 2015 season. The Atlanta Braves could place Folynewicz in a relief role until he gets his strength back to rejoin the starting rotation, or could evaluate his potential as a reliever.

More from Atlanta Braves

Throughout his first season in the majors, Mike Foltynewicz has struggled as a starter for the most part, but showed signs of progress before his latest stint on the Disabled List. He has an electric fastball, but struggled with his command at times — especially after allowing walks and runners to get on base.

Mike Foltynewicz could also be an effective late-inning reliever or potential closer for the club going forward. Because of his effective fastball, he could be utilized as a setup man for Arodys Vizcaino for the remainder of the season, if he does not rejoin the rotation.

The absence of Mike Foltynewicz has not been the only thing that has affected the Braves’ rotation over the past week. Matt Wisler missed his scheduled start this past Tuesday against the Phillies because of a previous bullpen session meant to help the rookie with some recent struggles, while rookie Manny Banuelos will not start on Friday because of a sore left elbow. Banuelos consulted with Dr. James Andrews today in Birmingham, AL. 

Next: Shelby Miller: Excellent Season Despite Lack of Wins

More from ATL All Day

Home/Atlanta Braves