Atlanta Braves Mike Folynewicz Proving His Doubters Wrong
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves have a very solid one-two punch in their rotation thus far this season. Sean Newcomb and Mike Foltynewicz have been fantastic and the Braves are benefitting.
Mike Foltynewicz has been with the Atlanta Braves for four years now and is showing signs of finally putting it all together for the Braves. Watching him pitch this season has been fun and full of promising signs for Mike and the Braves.
His velocity seems to stay with him longer and even grow stronger during key at-bats. Watching him recently has been impressive, including his first career complete game.
Though he is dominating the game Foltynewicz hasn’t benefitted from much run support but before his latest start, his ERA told the story sitting at 2.22 before his latest start this season.
While his ERA won’t remain that low for a full season there isn’t any reason to think he cannot maintain his good start using his off speed pitches mixed with his great velocity.
When he chooses to pitch and not throw he can be electric and at times plain unhittable. Watching him pitch this season has been surprising. He is proving his doubters wrong including myself.
More than once I have written on this site and others calling for Foltynewicz to be traded. If he can maintain the start he has had this season and put one good full season together he will prove that idea very foolish.
Newcomb has been equally impressive so far this season and both pitchers are deserving of all-star consideration.
The Braves have to hope Folty is finally putting it all together considering Sean Newcomb is their only other reliable young pitcher. Newcomb has gone 7-1 with 2.49 ERA and has looked dominant on multiple occasions.
Even when he didn’t have his best stuff he seems to keep his team in the game. Foltynewicz has been showing that same quality and struck out 88 hitters in 74.0 innings.
Mike Foltynewicz is making strides and turning into a solid pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Still, it is fair to remain skeptical until Mike has put at least one full season together of producing at a high level.