The Atlanta Braves were forced to turn to JR Ritchie this past week after it became clear that Spencer Strider is going to be shut down until at least late August. It handed the talented young starter an opportunity to continue the momentum that was built after a relief appearance against the New York Mets, where the right-hander would complete 5.0 scoreless innings while striking out five and looking absolutely filthy. When it comes to a potential spot in the team's rotation, it is hard to imagine things going any better.
It earned Ritchie the chance to start against the San Francisco Giants this past week, where a limited offense would score five runs on five hits, four walks, and only four strikeouts. The notable stats were the three home runs given up, pointing to a lack of execution for a starter that unquestionably has the ability.
Ritchie was thrown into a game he didn't expect to appear in against the Mets and was flawless, executing at the highest level against what is a better offense. Fast forward to a planned start against the Giants, and the early innings were shaky as the starter appeared to be in his head and struggled to execute the same pitches against New York.
Braves Have to Question JR Ritchie After Latest Frustrating Start
What appeared to be one of the league's deepest rotations only weeks ago has stumbled a bit, not only due to Ritchie but also due to regression from Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder. It is fair to wonder how patient the Braves are going to remain with the young starter, no matter his talent level.
There is no questioning Ritchie has the clear talent, where things come into question is whether or not the starter is strugglng with getting into his head, and it is changing execution. It seems noteworthy that when Ritchie was thrown into a game without a clear plan, the results were elite, while the planned start is where the wheels fell off a bit.
Ritchie has all the talent in the world and should be able to consistently offer the Braves a high level of production. Struggling at this level doesn't appear to be as simple as one off night, but a young pitcher is still needing to develop a level of mental toughness.
Atlanta still has enough of a division lead to continue to exercise a level of patience with Ritchie and hope that the right coaching can unlock the needed mentality. One that would leave the Braves with another arm capable of contributing to the top of the team's rotation.
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