Atlanta Braves: Sean Newcomb Makes the Braves Rotation
By Kit Anderson
Sean Newcomb will open the season as a member of the Atlanta Braves rotation. The decision is an easy one considering his talent and that he could soon sit atop the Braves’ rotation.
Sean Newcomb joined the Atlanta Braves roster for the first time last season and bounced between struggling and looking like he was a future ace. That is normal for most any rookie pitcher with his talent.
This year Newcomb has looked different from the start of Spring Training. He seems to have a better understanding of how to use his pitches as well as a confidence on the mound that he didn’t have last season.
It is confidence gained from knowing he can pitch and compete against the best. It has been obvious this spring and made it easier for the Braves to put Newcomb into the rotation.
That paired along with the fact he has great velocity and the potential to become the Braves’ top pitcher. For this season, the top pitcher will be Julio Teheran who will get the start on opening day. How the rotation lines up after that remains to be seen.
Newcomb has shown better control this spring and an ability to get out of jams. Something that he struggled doing early on in his first stint with the Braves.
He will need to continue a new approach that he started last season. Trusting his pitches knowing he doesn’t have to strike every hitter out. That was the biggest step he made last season and one that he should improve upon early this year.
Mike Folynewicz and Julio Teheran are the only other sure members of the rotation with injuries leaving the other two slots questionable.
With just a week of Spring Training still to go there will be plenty more to come as the Braves finalize their 25-man roster.