ATL All Day
Fansided

Luiz Gohara Could Ramp Up Expectations For Atlanta Braves

By W. M. Lawson

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 13: Starting pitcher Luiz Gohara #64 of the Atlanta Braves walks in from the bullpen before the start of the Braves game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 13: Starting pitcher Luiz Gohara #64 of the Atlanta Braves walks in from the bullpen before the start of the Braves game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Atlanta Braves (28-18) cling to a 1/2 game NL East Divisional lead. The addition of Luiz Gohara to the starting rotation could be the next step forward.

The Atlanta Braves have already played Philly something like 10 or 11 times already this season. Our Braves lost last night, and get another crack at the Phillies tonight at their place. It should be good TV. The game is for a Divisional lead. Wednesday could also be interesting, though. Not just because it could be a rubber match or to avoid a sweep. Although, each is a possibility, and a big deal. Wednesday could get interesting because it was penciled in that Luiz Gohara would get his first start. That, too, is a big deal.

There has been a lot of ink spilled on the prospects and performances of Sean Newcomb and Mike Soroka. And, rightfully so. Newcomb (5-1) has a very respectable 2.39 ERA in 9 games and 52 innings pitched. Dude has been key. Soroka (1-1), on the temporary mend from injury, floats a respectable 3.68 ERA in three games and 14 innings pitched. While not as impressive as Newcomb, the 20-year-old Canadian righty has flashed promise and poise.

More from ATL All Day

That said, there is another name out there, certainly during Spring Training, that elicited, as much buzz, or more, than those two and it was Luiz Gohara. The rotund 21-year-old lefty from Brazil looked like he was definitely going to begin the year as the 5th starter. Truth be told, at times, he looked like he could be, or should be, the 3rd starter this Spring. Then, something happened that no dude would put on another dude: Groin and ankle problems.

Gohara started the year on the DL, and then, when rehabbing at Gwinnett, looked awful. Atlanta called him up to bolster a bludgeoned and heavily worked bullpen, and he’s pitched well in that role. Dude has three appearances, in 7 innings of relief work, and has struck out 10 and given up two hits. He also holsters a 1.29 ERA. As our friends from the Midwest would say: “Not too shabby”.

With the lineup looking like it is only a position, or two, away from being elite, pitching is, once again, the focus. Newcomb looks stout and dependable (even with the walks). Soroka, once healthy, looks like he can be a quality contributor.

If Luiz Gohara can transition back to the Starting Rotation, and pick up the form he showed this Spring, all of a sudden, the youth movement that pervades the rest of the club will begin to flower on the mound.

If that happens, our Atlanta Braves are legitimate contenders for the Eastern Division, and will be a major headache for everyone on their schedule. It almost looks like that now.

Home/Atlanta Braves