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Atlanta Braves Scouting Report on RHP Josh Graham

By Benjamin Chase

Jun 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; An Atlanta Braves throwback hat is seen in the dugout during a game against the New York Mets in the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; An Atlanta Braves throwback hat is seen in the dugout during a game against the New York Mets in the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 21, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jason Mottte (30) pitches during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Colorado Rockies won 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jason Mottte (30) pitches during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Colorado Rockies won 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Future Outlook


Graham fits in line very similarly to a fellow former catcher, Jason Motte, who spent the season with the Colorado Rockies, but struggled with injuries after being expected to be the opening day closer for the Rockies before a shoulder injury flared up at the end of spring to start his injury woes for the year.

Motte similarly has a unique delivery that has allowed his raw stuff to play up, even without great movement. He does work with more of a fastball/cutter/change combination, but like Graham, he does use his 3-pitch mix in the bullpen with effectiveness.

The lack of movement on a mid-90s fastball from an arm slot of a 6′ tall guy (Graham is 6’1, Motte is 6′) does lead to some extra stress on the arm, and Motte did deal with surgery in 2013 after he had saved 42 games the year before for the Cardinals. He’s played for three teams in the three seasons since he returned from his surgery.

Next: Braves Minor League Database

It will be interesting to see how Graham does keeping his arm healthy with his unique delivery on his way up the system. Natural progression would have him in high-A in 2017, but he’s a college guy and not getting any younger (23 on opening day), so the team may choose to bump him up all the way to AA.

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