With the All-Star break season now behind us, there’s no doubt that 2016 has all been about the future for theAtlanta Braves. So who are the top prospects in the farm system pushing for a promotion and when can we expect to see them?
As the losing continues after the break, a lot of fans will be thinking about 2017 and beyond for theAtlanta Braves. While there are some exciting starting pitchers playing in Atlanta at the moment, much of the organization’s talent remains in the minors. As we enter the second half of the season, we take a quick look into what young players are pushing to make an impact on the big league club.
With a 1-2-3 ofJulio Teheran,Matt WislerandMike Foltynewicz, all of whom are 25 or under with lots of club control and high level stuff, Braves fans actually can feel excited when they watch the top part of their rotation.
Teheranearned an All Star berth this year and althoughFoltyhas battled some injury issues, he has consistently thrown high level outings this year.Wislerstarted off the season incredibly well before hitting a bit of a wall in June. He still has a huge amount of potential and remains an important part of the rotations future.
Baring injury, those three should see out the season but there are two more staring pitching spots up for grabs. While the likes ofLucas HarrellandWilliams Perezmay continue to pick up starts, there are several young pitchers who could find their way to Atlanta before the season ends.
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Aaron Blair:
After a fantastic start to the season in AAA,Blairwas promoted to Atlanta and initially kept up there because of injuries. After starting out well, achieving a 3.15 EA in his first 3 games,Blairwas roughed up badly in the following 8, which ultimately led to him being sent back down to Gwinnett on Jun 25th with a major’s ERA of 7.99.
The goal of the demotion was to helpBlairget his confidence and stuff back before hopefully bringing him back later this year. However, since heading back to the minors,Blairhas taken his struggles with him and has allowed 20 earned runs in his 4 appearances so far.
Unless he dramatically turns things around, expect Blair to stay in Gwinnett the rest of the year. The Braves see him as a key piece going forward and after the rough time he had earlier this year, he will likely focus on improving his control and confidence for the rest of the year.
Tyrell Jenkins:
The biggest beneficiary of the Blair’s slump could end up beingTyrell Jenkins. Despite putting up impressive numbers at AAA, the Braves decided to move him to the bullpen because the believed he would fit in there better. With the team now trading awayBud Norrisand withWilliams Perezstill on the DL, the Braves turned toJenkinswhenJulio Teheranmissed a start on July 6th with an infection.
He pitched well, allowing only 1 run and 4 hits in 4 2/3 innings and gave up only 2 in 6 innings against the Reds this week. Although he doesn’t posses top-level stuff,Jenkinshas achieved solid results as a starting pitcher at every level he has played at, and with 3 or 4 more strong outings, the Braves will likely reconsider sending him back to the pen.
Chris Ellis:
The lesser regarded of the two pitching prospects acquired from the Angels for fan favorite Andrelton Simmons,Ellisis more polished and further along thanSean Newcombwho we will get into a bit later.
Ellisposted fantastic numbers as AA Mississippi this year, winning 8 games with an ERA of only 2.75 and was subsequently promoted to AAA Gwinnett in mid June.
Since moving up, he’s had a much tougher time and is currently sitting with an ERA of over 8, but if he’s able to regain his earlier form in August, there’s a good chance we might see him in Atlanta for a start or 2 as a September call up.
Rob Whalen:
Brought in from the Mets in theJuan Uribe/Kelly Johnsontrade with the Mets last year that also includedJohn Gant,Whalenhas been lights out all year at AA Mississippi, sporting an ERA even lower thanChris Ellisat just 2.49.
He was only moved up to AAA last week and in his one game so far, conceded 2 runs in 5 innings. If he continues to show the stuff he did down in AA, he could leap-frog other prospects and join Atlanta in September.
Sean Newcomb:
The Braves highest ranked pitching prospect and seen by most as a top 25 overall talent,Newcombhas the raw stuff that could lead him to become the true ace of the Braves pitching staff. That being said, what he has lacked throughout his career so far is the control to harness it all and his has led to mixed results this season.
While his ERA of 4.48 doesn’t exactly jump off the page, his good performances showcase real dominance. If he can pull it all together and put in a great August, don’t be surprised to seeNewcombskip AAA all together and be sent straight up to Atlanta in September. While that remains a big “if,” his talent really is that tantalizing.
Next: Hawk: Matt Costello Signs two-year contract
While there are other hugely talented pitchers in the organization for fans to get excited about, such asKolby AllardandTouki Touissant, they all remain several years away. Later on in the week we’ll take a look at some of the position players who could also end up in the majors before 2016 is over.
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