Atlanta Braves Have Reinforcements On The Way

The Atlanta Braves season started out rocky when the team got out to a 0-3 start. Since then, the Braves have won 5 of their last 6 games, showing a lot of offense and good pitching from their starters and bullpen. Sean Newcomb, Max Fried, and Kevin Gausman have given the Braves solid performances during these last six games. Add Julio Teheran and Kyle Wright, and the Braves starting rotation is stacked.

This is a problem of riches for the Atlanta Braves with Mike Foltynewicz and Mike Soroka working their way back through rehab starts. The pair both made great starts in the minors and look to be primed to back in the minors soon, so the question is how good can this Braves team be when they get back two of their best pitchers?

Mike Foltynewicz is the best pitcher and undisputed starter of the Braves starting staff. Folty went down with an elbow injury in Spring Training but was slated to return after a few weeks of the regular season. In his first rehab start, Folty pitched 5 innings and gave up no hits. Folty, who is known for his strikeout ability, only struck out 2 and gave up 2 walks. The strikeouts weren’t as prevalent as they normally are, but the strikeouts should come back as he gets sharper. Folty is set to make another rehab start on Tuesday, but he should be back with the team before April is over. Getting Folty back will only solidify this starting rotation more after the return of Kevin Gausman last week.

Mike Soroka has had a longer recovery. Last season, Soroka experienced shoulder inflammation throughout the season before the Braves shut him down for the season in June. This February, Soroka was shut down again when he felt more inflammation in and was shut down again. Soroka started pitching again in March, and he made his first start last week. Soroka pitched 5 innings and shut down all 15 batters he faced, also striking out 7 in the process. It was a reminder of the talent Soroka has, and still possess. It was assumed, Soroka would be competing for a spot in the Braves starting rotation, if not promised one, if healthy. If Soroka can continue to pitch the way he did yesterday, the young pitcher will find his way back with the big league club sooner than later.

The Braves have already hit somewhat of a stride. After a dismal sweep at the hands of the Phillies, the Braves have won their next two series. It was just what this team needed at the time, but with two pitchers on their way back, the Braves have a chance to get into a great rhythm. And with the Phillies and Nationals looking like real contenders, the Braves don’t want to dig themselves into a deep hole this early in the season.

Folty and Soroka coming back would mean Kyle Wright and Max Fried would have to make room in the starting rotation, but that doesn’t mean they be back in the minors.

Max Fried can be a valuable asset for the Braves in the bullpen. Kyle Wright looked like he’s ready to be with the big league club, but there just may not be enough room for him. The Braves had a disappointing offseason with the lack of acquisitions, but having Folty and Soroka come back will feel like two big signings coming into this team.