Atlanta Braves Sean Newcomb Starter or Reliever in 2018?
By Kit Anderson
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Sean Newcomb has a great chance to open the season in the starting rotation in 2018. If Newcomb were to lose his rotation spot however, the Braves could opt to move Newcomb to late inning relief.
The Atlanta Braves have stayed away from this off-season’s bullpen market and rightly so. The largest deals of the off-season have been primarily overpaying relievers. Opting with a different strategy the Braves will allow some of their young starters to make the team out of the bullpen.
Sean Newcomb has the inside track to a rotation spot in 2018 after flashing great potential last season. Working at least five innings consistently Newcomb showed improved control and high velocity.
Though it was improved Newcomb’s control still needs work and will be the biggest tell whether or not he will take a step forward in 2018.
If Newcomb were to struggle in Spring Training the Braves should consider putting Newcomb in as a late innings reliever. Newcomb has both the velocity and the early inning mentality that would benefit him as a relief option.
Using Newcomb as a 7th or 8th inning option if the Braves run out of rotation space could be a great decision. Newcomb has electric movement on his pitches that would be a great change of pace coming out of the bullpen.
Regardless of where he ends up Sean Newcomb will make an impact on the Braves in 2018 and be a key member of the pitching staff. No doubt, there will be plenty of exciting arms to keep an eye on in Spring Training.