Well, it only took two and a half months, but help for the Braves pitching staff has arrived, and no it is not the relief that Braves fans were hoping for. Instead, he has a World Series ring with with the Houston Astros, and even has experience with current Braves catcher Brian McCann when McCann was with the Astros. In walks this past Saturday, new Braves starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel. The Braves best option was signing Keuchel over reliever Craig Kimbrel, who signed with the Chicago Cubs. Though age 31, Keuchel brings a fresh arm that is ready to pitch and help this pitching staff get to where they need to be. Keuchel brings to Atlanta a 76-63 record in seven years as a pro with a career ERA of 3.66. He has started 183 of 196 games.
I do not believe Braves manager Brian Snitker will go with a six man rotation. The two most inconsistent starting pitchers this year have been Mike Foltynewicz and Kevin Gausman. Folty, as the Braves call him, has more upside and has been plagued with arm injuries this year which landed him on the injured list at the beginning of the season. The odd man out will be Gausman who delivered another subpar outing last night going 2 1/3 inning giving up five hits and four runs. The Braves bats again came to life and the Braves went on to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 13-7. Relief pitching has had their hiccups every now and then, but for the most part of the season they have fared quite well. In which I believe the Braves made a push for Keuchel over Kimbrel. Braves believe they can build up the bullpen with a few moving parts.
Last night Keuchel pitched for Single-A Rome Braves and he looked sharp pitching seven inning, throwing 77 pitches while 55 were strikes. Keuchel had nine strikeouts and one walk on only one hit. The Braves plan is to have Keuchel pitch one more start with the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers before joining the big club.
Braves fans can breathe a sigh of relief, but I would still keep your fingers crossed that this works out for the Braves in the long run.
Kirkley's Sports Korner 