Sean Newcomb and Kevin Gausman Updates

The Braves have news of two pitchers, Sean Newcomb and Kevin Gausman, who are looking to return back from injury sooner than later. How close are the two pitchers?

Sean Newcomb, who was making his first start since getting demoted and then re-promoted to the Braves bullpen, was making his first start over the weekend. An insane amount of bad luck occurred when Newcomb took a rocket shot to the side of the head. Newcomb, luckily, got his head turned so he took the brunt of the hit on the side of his head, which only makes getting hit in the head slightly better. The word, so far, is Newcomb has been okay and not showing any negative signs. However, it was announced today, the Braves would be placing Newcomb on the 7-day concussion IL. This move is for the Braves to do their due diligence and give Newcomb another week to recover. With the bullpen still in flux, the Braves will be welcoming back Sean Newcomb with open arms upon his return.

Kevin Gausman is looking to make his way back from a  plantar fasciitis issue. The injury did happen at a convenient time with Gausman hitting a low point with the Braves, giving up 17 earned runs in his last three starts before going on the IL. The AJC is reporting that the Braves are still viewing Gausman as a starter while he rehabs from his injury.  With Dallas Keuchel making his debut for the Braves on Friday, it’s unclear whether the Braves will move Gausman back into the rotation or find him a role in the bullpen. Most Braves fans would put a significant bet on seeing Gausman in the bullpen when he returns. With the way Gausman was pitching before going on the IL, it would be a shock to see him back in this rotation.