By Jordan Long
The Atlanta Braves are 2-2 so far this season. They take on the Tamp Bay Rays today. They made a surprising move, designating pitcher Mike Foltynewicz for assignment, basically ending his time in Atlanta.
Foltynewicz spent 6 years in Atlanta. His top year was in 2018 when he won a career high 13 games. His ERA that season was a 2.85. Last year Foltynewicz’s production slipped but he was still able to win 8 games with an ERA of 4.54.
Atlanta was hoping to see the Foltynewicz of 2018. Last night was his only start of the year. It didn’t go well, giving up 6 earned runs and 3 home runs in his 3.1 innings pitched. His pitches were clearly not working and he walked 4 batters. The bright side of his outing was he struck out 3.
The Braves decided they had seen enough, even though it was only one start. Foltynewicz couldn’t control his pitches. Instead of trying to work with him for the rest of the year, Atlanta decided his time is done. With this move, the Braves will have a restricted number of days to trade or release him.
According to Yahoosports.com, Braves Manager Brian Snitker said, “After the last couple outings in, we wanted to give it a go here and it was the same. We didn’t see enough increase in the velocity. That’s who he’s been. He’s been a stuff guy for the entire time we’ve had him. The stuff hasn’t been there.”
Atlanta will replace him in the starting rotation with pitcher Chad Sobotka. Sobotka made one start this season. He pitched 8.1 innings and gave up 1 hit but didn’t earn a run. Atlanta hopes for more of the same from him. If Sobotka struggles, his time could be limited.
For Foltynewicz teams might be interested in him as a back of the rotation pitcher. One team mentioned is the Boston Red Sox. He could help bolster the starting pitching. For now, Foltynewicz will have to wait and see what his future holds in MLB.
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