Atlanta Braves Brandon McCarthy Bringing Veteran Consistency
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves pitching staff has struggled with the exception of Brandon McCarthy. He is bringing a veteran consistency early that has resulted in a 2-0 record for the former Dodger.
Brandon McCarthy was traded to the Atlanta Braves in an off-season salary dump that early on appears as if the Braves have won.
McCarthy has been the Braves most consistent pitcher early this season two turns through the rotation. He brings a veteran consistency keeping the Braves in games and has the ability to truly pitch even without high velocity.
Using fastball movement and a great breaking ball he has two quality starts early this season and there is no reason to think he will not continue to provide surprising value if he can stay healthy.
McCarthy brings a similar skill set to what former Braves pitcher Tim Hudson brought to the team. A consistency and ability to keep his team in games. As well as veteran leadership for a young pitching staff.
For the rest of the Braves rotation is has been less than impressive with Julio Teheran and Sean Newcomb both getting roughed up.
Mike Foltynewicz has been slightly more impressive but is yet to make it deep into a game dealing with a lot of base runners and a high pitch count as a result.
As great of an offensive start as the Braves have had if they truly want to compete this season they are going to have to get more from the top of their rotation.
A rotation that seems unable to give more than four or five innings on any given night. An underwhelming Braves’ bullpen needs rest not to have to pitch four or five innings every night if the Braves want to continue winning with regularity.
Brandon McCarthy has been impressive early making the Braves trade decision look even better in a fast start to the 2018 season.