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Is Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bartolo Colon’s time up in ATL?

By Adam McCracken

Jun 5, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) is removed from the mound by manager Brian Snitker (43) in the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) is removed from the mound by manager Brian Snitker (43) in the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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How bad has Braves starting pitcher Colon been?  We’ll tell you…

This is a question that has been on the mind of the Atlanta Braves community for a couple of weeks now…what’s up with Bartolo Colon?

When Colon suddenly went to the DL in early June with an “injury”, it was clear that manager Brian Snitker was not content with letting Colon continue his weary ways.

Colon went on the DL after a horrendous start vs the Philadelphia Phillies pushed his ERA to 7.78, and 10.08 in his last eight games. He and the Braves had planned on him coming off the DL a week ago, but “back stiffness” came up and he was forced to stay on the DL.

Wednesday night, the 44-year-old was back on the mound for the Atlanta Braves.  He gave up six earned runs in only four innings, pushing his record to 2-8 with an awful 8.14 ERA. He has failed to be the innings-eater that the Braves signed this offseason.

Why haven’t the Atlanta Braves cut Colon? 

Braves fans will say it’s long overdue, and if it wasn’t for the $12.5 mil contract, I would agree.

After his stretch of ineffectiveness, it was clear something was inevitable. With his hefty contract and pedigree, it was apparent that the Braves weren’t going to just give up on the signing.

With multiple starts of less than four innings and more than six earned runs, the Braves were patient and have continued to be as showcased by his DL stints. Colon told Atlanta Braves sports reporter Mark Bowman of MLB.com:

“I feel good. I just feel like I’ve hit a bad streak and it’s tough to snap out of it. That’s all you can do. You just have to work and try to get out of it any way you can.”

It seems obvious that Colon has lobbied for patience, and Snitker has granted him with a longer leash. But, as evidenced by his last start, it may be time to change plans.

So, what do the Braves do now? 

With less than two weeks left until the All-Star break, the Colon situation has reached full-circle, and it is time for a change of plans. It may

It may not have been an absolute need if things were different with the team. The Braves are sitting under ten games back in the NL East, only three games under .500, and doing so with the franchise player missing most of it and the ace of the staff pitching underwhelming.

The Braves have only two options at this point for Colon: an audition in the bullpen, or a parting of ways.

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Manager Brian Snitker has not ruled out a possible stint in the bullpen, but one has to wonder just how effective Colon would actually be.

Colon has yet to consistently pitch deep into games, so his usage as a long-reliever would be ineffective. He has given up a plethora of runs in early innings, so a one-inning reliever still wouldn’t solve the problem.

If the Braves cut Colon, they are swallowing $12.5 mil contract and letting a Cy-Young winner walk. But, it’s apparent that’s it is time for the Braves to swallow pride, admit the mistake, and humbly part ways with the 44-year-old.

How will parting ways effect the Braves?

The Braves are doing better than most thought…Sean Newcomb is surprising people with early control combined with his already known “filthy stuff”, and there are a plethora of possible options in the farm system if an injury or trade occurs.

Colon has been a fan-favorite for his physique and pedigree, but it is time for General Manager John Coppolella to bid farewell to Bartolo Colon, and start assessing the future.

The Braves sit 9.5 games back in the NL East and will head to the division-leading Washington Nationals next week for a four-game series.

Next: Will the Braves trade for a starting pitcher?

It is definitely possible that the Braves enter the All-Star break over .500 and in a battle with Washington if the series goes well. The best way to enter the Nats series, the A’s series this weekend and the Astros series mid-week next week effectively is with five pitchers and no Colon.

With full confidence, I end with a goodbye to Bartolo “Big Sexy” Colon.

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