ATL All Day
Fansided

Mike Foltynewicz Hospitalized w/ Blood Clots in Pitching Arm

By Matthew Schoettler

facebooktwitterreddit

Mike Foltynewicz has been admitted to Piedmont Hospital on September 18th and has been diagnosed with blood clots in his right arm.

On September 1st, Foltynewicz was placed on the 15-day DL with costochondritis, which is inflammation of the cartilage that connects his rib to his breastbone. While that injury left his 2015 campaign up in question marks, on September 18th, Mike Foltynewicz was diagnosed with blood clots in his throwing arm.

Foltynewicz is being monitored at Piedmont Hospital for his blood clots and is being treated with blood thinners to combat the ailment. At the moment, it is uncertain how long Foltynewicz will have to stay at the hospital, but the Atlanta Braves made it clear that they are concerned first and foremost with the pitcher’s health.

-= Related: Atlanta Braves: Trade Partners with Milwaukee Brewers? =-

Mike Foltynewicz was not expected to pitch again this season before the blood clot issue arose; however, he is surely out the remainder of the season, as the Braves will use a cautious approach and not rush him back. This will end a disappointing season for a young pitcher that was looking to build off of a lackluster 2014.

More from Atlanta Braves

Foltynewicz will end his 2015 with a 5.71 ERA across 15 games started; however, he did make three relief appearances this season. Foltynewicz is no lock to be in the 2016 rotation, so he will have to bounce back strong from his injury/ailment plagued 2015 season. He has the tools to be a successful pitcher, but he may be better suited for the bullpen.

With an electric fastball, Foltynewicz could play a key role in the 2016 Atlanta Braves bullpen and could even find himself in high-leverage situations next season. Few pitchers possess a fastball capable of hitting 99 MPH regularly, showing that he could be an asset outside of the rotation next season.

More from ATL All Day

During the offseason and entering spring training, Mike Foltynewicz needs to work on mixing his pitches more effectively and maintaing effective control. This season, Foltynewicz fell behind hitters regularly and was forced to throw his fastball more often. Although he has plus velocity, MLB hitters can adjust quickly and pound fastballs over the middle of the plate.

Atlanta Braves’ fans can hope that Mike Foltynewicz will bounce back strong after his disappointing 2015 season; however, he is still a work in progress. The Braves will continue to monitor his health in the upcoming days, and we hope for good news on the horizon. Foltynewicz has a special arm that the Braves hope they can rely on in the coming years.

Next: Arodys Vizcaino: Atlanta Braves' Closer in 2016?

More from ATL All Day

Home/Atlanta Braves