Atlanta Braves Brandon McCarthy Bounces Back
By Kit Anderson
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy bounced back last night against the Chicago Cubs. His dominant outing was a great example of what he can bring to the Braves.
Brandon McCarthy isn’t going to overpower many hitters. His role with the Atlanta Braves is providing a veteran presence. A role he is filling very adequately while giving the Braves productive innings.
Last night against the Cubs he went 6.0 innings giving up only 1 earned run and striking out 8 Cubs hitters.
It was a much needed bounce-back night for McCarthy after giving up 14 runs in his last two outings. He wasn’t missing many bats and needed a good start to remind the Braves the value he brings.
Brandon is now 4-2 on the season with an ERA just over five. His ERA is bloated due to his recent struggles and will head in the right direction.
For the Braves they need his leadership and consistent veteran presence to help continue the early season success.
Mike Folynewicz and Julio Teheran are two other members of the Braves rotation who must remain consistent to keep their roles with the team. The Braves have one of the best farm systems in all of baseball loaded with pitching.
With so many pitchers in the pipeline, the Braves veterans must remain healthy and consistent or they could be in danger of losing their jobs.
Mike Foltynewicz could be an interesting option to use at the closer position if he were to lose his starting job. It is doubtful he loses his slot with his solid start but if he were to struggle he could benefit from being moved to the bullpen.
His velocity paired with he breaking pitches would work well for one inning stints. The Braves have a great problem in that they have more pitchers than rotation spots helping keep all their veterans on their toes in 2018.