Atlanta Braves Should Expect Some Early Rust For Dallas Keuchel

Dallas Keuchel is set to make his first start for the Atlanta Braves on Friday. A start fans shouldn’t expect too much from considering how long it has been since Keuchel pitched.

The Atlanta Braves made their splashiest move of the season signing Dallas Keuchel to a prove it deal for the remainder of the season. Keuchel will make his first start for the team on Friday against the division rival Washington Nationals.

For the Braves they shouldn’t expect much from Keuchel in his first start. Even with his talent, there is going to be some inevitable rust from Dallas before he settles in this season.

While the rest will benefit him long term it likely hurts his performance his first couple of starts. Fans should expect some rest and control issues early on for the starter.

Keuchel is going to be a great piece for Atlanta down the stretch providing exactly what they need. Dallas isn’t the shutdown ace some fans will expect, but he is an innings eater who is durable and provides needed rest for the Braves shaky bullpen and young starters.

Keuchel has a career 3.66 ERA and will likely be the Braves first starter come postseason time. Though it may seem a jump to assume this team is postseason bound they are a stacked team from top to bottom.

The offense is clicking and the Braves have a young rotation that can help carry what has been a very shaky bullpen. The biggest question mark the Braves must address now that they have added Dallas is the closer’s role.

Current starter Sean Newcomb might be the answer once Dallas is added to the rotation. Newcomb is expected to head back to the pen and could be the perfect answer for the team for the 9th inning.  More to come as the Braves continue to make moves before the deadline.