Atlanta Braves Julio Teheran’s First Inning Struggles Continue in Season Opener

Julio Teheran started the first game of the season for the Atlanta Braves. A game in which Teheran’s struggles continued despite his improved velocity and ability to throw for strikes.

The first batter the Atlanta Braves faced put the ball deep into the bleachers against Julio Teheran. A familiar theme for the Braves and Teheran who has struggled in the early innings. Though he looked better than he has in recent seasons Teheran still struggled.

Lasting only 5-innings Teheran gave up three-runs including the home run against the first batter he faced.

While his first inning struggles did continue there is a reason to be encouraged after Teheran’s first start of the year. He looked to be in better shape and have more consistent control over his pitches.

He threw strikes consistently and had 3-5 mph more velocity on his pitches. While he may not have won the Opener for the Braves he did give them plenty of reason to be optimistic that he can bounce back to form.

With improved conditioning and more velocity, Teheran should bounce back this season after struggling to throw strikes consistently in 2018.

This is likely the last audition for Teheran considering the amount of pitching Atlanta has funneling to the Major League roster this season. He must prove he is deserving of a role with the team long term and can still produce at a consistent level.

While there were plenty of encouraging signs for Julio he still didn’t get it done this season. A familiar theme for Teheran over the last two seasons.

The Braves will now shift their focus to Saturday and Sunday’s games against their division rival. They will send rookies Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright to the mound to take on an intimidating Phillies lineup as the opening season series continues.