Atlanta Braves Lose to Phillies But Win Series
By Fred Owens
That’s A Wrap
There’s not much to offer on today’s performance. Tomorrow’s off day means the Braves won’t need a fifth starter until Saturday’s tussle with the Fish.
Snit complimented Kelly, but didn't commit to him starting Saturday. Jenkins starts tomorrow for @GwinnettBraves. So, he'd be an option.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 22, 2016
As Mark Bowman said Tyrell Jenkins starts tomorrow at Gwinnett so he would be on full rest on Saturday. So far this year Jenkins is 4-2 with a 3.02 ERA and keeps the ball in the park –0.4 homers/9 – which sounds great until you see his 1.500 WHIP; Jenkins is giving up 9.6 hits, walking 3.8 and only striking out 5.4 per nine. You can get away with that in AAA, major league teams will punish walks. Someone suggested that Mike Foltynewicz had the same issues which is true however he also had a 97mph heater to help bail him out; Jenkins does not.
Aaron Blair pitched Saturday in a rain delayed game and gave up one run in his three innings before the sky opened. John Gant pitched 1 1/3 on Saturday and would normally go on Friday. If numbers are the criteria Gant makes the most sense as he’s currently pitching to a 2.97 ERA and 1.221 WHIP. He too is walking 3.6 per nine but he’s also and striking out 9.8 and giving up just 6.6 hits in nine. Someone we haven’t heard from also pitched today.
@Braves P Manny Banuelos done after two innings.
— Ben Poplin (@BenPoplin) May 22, 2016
Final line: 2IP, 5R/2ER, 5H, 2BB, 4K 52 pitches (34 strikes) FB topped 90mph #Braves
But that was in a rehab assignment and I suspect he’s along way from coming back. I doubt we’ll know who they’ll call Saturday until Thursday at the earliest. If they liked what they saw from Blair he could easily come back and try it again. As for Kelly, I think he’s done being anything except an emergency option.
On another note Dansby Swanson continues to scream that he’s too good fro AA.
Dansby Swanson extends hit streak to 9 games with a two-run single in the 3rd, now 14-35 (.400) on streak. @MBraves 2-1 lead in 3rd. #Braves
— Kyle Tait (@TaitVoice) May 22, 2016
Last week during an in-booth interview with Chip and Joe after Fredi Gonzalez was fired, John Hart said they were determined not to promote anyone before they were ready to be promoted and no one was ready now. Sorry John you’re wrong. Swanson is not your ordinary kid and he ready for AAA now.
It’s time to move him to Gwinnett where he and his future double play partner can get to know each other for a couple of months before joining the team in Atlanta for August and September.
I’m an advocate of letting the kids learn without the pressure of winning but we know Swanson and Ozzie Albies are the future up the middle. Ozzie is there now and in spite of his limited experience, Swanson should be.