Atlanta Braves: Sean Newcomb Getting an Audition

The Atlanta Braves are going to give Sean Newcomb a shot to audition for a spot in the rotation after placing Bartolo Colon on the DL. Newcomb has been tearing up the Triple A level and will look to land a full-time role in the rotation.

Adding Sean Newcomb was not a popular move among Atlanta Braves fans considering it included moving defensive star Andrelton Simmons to the Angels. Newcomb’s debut may change a lot of minds about the Braves trade decision.

Saturday’s double-header will give the Braves roster flexibility to add in Newcomb and option him back down if the start is a disaster. On the other hand if Newcomb proves his ability to compete with Major League hitters it is hard to see him not landing a spot in the Braves rotation.

His potential is endless the one concern has been his walk rate and consistency with locating his pitches. If he can translate the changes he has made in the minors early this season Newcomb could find himself in the Braves rotation for a long time to come.

His pitches primarily are based on his ability to set up hitters for the strike out and while that will be an important part of his game it will be key to see if he can pitch to contact as well. Lots of strike outs result in a lot of high pitch counts if he cannot  find a way to get hitters out by pitching for contact.

The biggest thing to watch early in Newcomb’s debut will be if he looks over matched at the plate and how willing he will be to make adjustments and not have to go for a strike out every hitter. Braves fans have seen Rio Ruiz who is likely the third baseman of the future and now will have a chance to see a pitcher who will be atop the Braves rotation for years to come.