What’s The Problem With Atlanta Braves Pitching
By Fred Owens
Mar 5, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (48) throws a pitch during the first inning of the spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Julio Teheran
After the Braves unsuccessfully messed around with Teheran’s motion in 2012 and caused his ERA to skyrocket, he reverted to the motion that made him the Braves top prospect to begin 2013. After a rough April he settled down and in his last 25 starts posted a 2.89 ERA striking out 150 of the 644 batters he faced and walking just 37. He continued to make his case as an Ace last season when he posted a 2.89 ERA (126 ERA+) for the season striking out 186 hitters (almost a strikeout for every hit allowed; 188 hits) in 221 1/3 IP and walking just 51.
Prior to last season I doubted he could be that kind of pitcher but the more I watch him the more I’m sure he will. He had a rough start in Toronto and again in New York but April’s never been his strongest month and his defense wasn’t exactly stellar behind him in New York. Someone suggested that he might be carrying a niggling injury but I saw no sign of that. He does seem to be pitching a little nearer to the center or the rubber in the games where he struggled but that could simply be a camera angle issue, I think Teheran will be fine.