After giving up five home runs in his last two starts, the Atlanta Braves have opted to designate SP Mike Foltynewicz for assignment. What this means is the Braves will either trade Folty or send him back to the minor leagues. Since Folty is a veteran he has some options. He can refuse to go to the minors in which the Braves can try to trade him. But don’t really see the Braves just out and releasing him, they want something in return. But that return might be minimal. Folty started the scrimmage game against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park and gave up back to back to back home runs. In his last start last night at the Tampa Bay Rays, which was the first start of the regular season for Folty, he was looking good through three innings, but then gave up back to back home runs.
Last year during Folty’s struggles, he agreed to go back to the minors and work on his mechanics. It worked as he finished the season strong, but then was the starting pitcher giving up seven runs in the first inning to the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 of the National League Divisional Series last year. Braves lost that game 13-1 which ended their playoff run.
This leaves a spot open on the starting rotation for possible pitching prospects Ian Anderson and Tucker Davidson. Davidson might get the initial spot due to he is already on the roster. Braves would need to bring Anderson up, which wouldn’t be that far off of a drive from the Gwinnett Stripers.
Photo 1 Pitcher Mike Foltynewicz Courtesy of CBS Sports
Photo 2 Pitcher Ian Anderson Courtesy of Talking Chop
Photo 3 Pitcher Tucker Davidson Courtesy of Baseball America
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