Braves call up right-handed pitcher Morris
Best news of the day? Atlanta Braves call up right-handed relief pitcher Akeel Morris! I’m extremely excited about this move and I’ll tell you why below. The corresponding move is Matt Wisler was sent back down to Triple-A Gwinnett.
This will not be the 24-year-olds major league debut, but it will be his first appearance with the Atlanta Braves — the New York Mets called him up in 2015 and he pitched in one game, giving up three hits, three walks, and five runs in 2/3 innings. Ouch, but he was still young then…he’s ready now and we should be ready for him too!
The #Braves today recalled RHP Akeel Morris from Triple-A @GwinnettBraves. RHP Matt Wisler was optioned to Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 6, 2017
Why am I pumped about this move? Because Morris can pitch!
I’m actually surprised the Braves haven’t called Morris up already this season. He’s been off to a torrid start in the 2017 season. He started the season with the Double-A Mississippi Braves, but stayed there only six games. After throwing 7.2 innings and having a 0.00 ERA, the Braves called him up to Gwinnett.
Morris has appeared in 20 games for the GBraves and has posted a 2.73 ERA in the 29.2 innings he’s pitched. He’s struck out 37 hitters and walked just 16.
The thing that stands out to me is Morris’ pitching motions and his amazing changeup….oh yeah, and a mid-90’s fastball.
The 6’1″ 195-pounder’s changeup is a thing of beauty. It even has it’s own Twitter handle. It sits around 73mph and just drops. Watch tonight and you’ll most likely see it.
He was a 10th round pick in 2010 by the New York Mets — as a starting pitcher — he moved to the bullpen in 2013.
The Braves acquired him on June 8, 2016 when we traded the Mets Kelly Johnson.
With a bullpen that exists with Arodys Vizcaino, Eric O’Flaherty, Chaz Roe and Dan Winkler all on the DL it’s nice to see quality coming to Atlanta.
Braves bullpen currently looks like this…eight arms in the pen with three lefties and five righties
LHP Rex Brothers
LHP Sam Freeman
RHP Luke Jackson
RHP Jim Johnson
LHP Ian Krol
RHP Akeel Morris
RHP Jason Motte
RHP Jose Ramirez
Next: Braves looking for pitching help
I guess while we’re here…Matt Wisler gets sent to Triple-A Gwinett. In eight games this season with the Braves, he’s posted a 7.41 ERA as a relief pitcher (did start one game). His minors numbers aren’t that much better, but he’s down there as a starting pitcher. He currently has a 3.84 ERA with Gwinnett in 11 starts.
At some point, when’s it enough for the Braves and Wisler? The time is starting to be now for me.