Groin injury has sidelined LHP Gohara, but he’s progressing
The Atlanta Braves big 6’3″ 210-pound left-handed starting pitcher, Luiz Gohara, is back! He’s been slowed this 2018 Spring Training by a left groin strain, but threw a bullpen today and looks to get back on regular schedule.
Saturday, news broke that the 21-year-old was dealing with a strained groin and starting the season with the Atlanta Braves could be in jeopardy. He strained the groin while running in one of the first workouts last week. While being on the Opening Day roster may still be in question, it’s looking more optimistic that he will be ready to go.
Monday afternoon, Gohara threw a bullpen and manager Brian Snitker said it “went well”. Just being able to throw the bullpen was a great sign. Coming out of it feeling good is terrific news.
The Braves beat writers spoke with Snitker following their Spring Training victory over the Washington Nationals — Braves won 2-1 and yes, Ozzie Albies went 2-3, Freddie Freeman singled on his first AB of the year and Ronald Acuna got his first hit of the spring season after starting 0-7.
#Braves' Gohara (groin strain) threw a bullpen today, went well according to Snitker, who said the lefty would begin progression now toward making his first start. No timetable yet.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) February 26, 2018
Gohara got through his bullpen session in pain-free fashion. He'll now begin his regular preparations (more bullpen sessions and a couple live BPs). Seems to have plenty of time to be ready by at least April 11, when the Braves would first need a fifth starter.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 26, 2018
Snit said Luiz Gohara (groin) got through today’s bullpen session without any issues. Will see how he feels tomorrow and progress from there. With off days, #Braves don’t need a fifth starter until April 11th. @680TheFan
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) February 26, 2018
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Now, it’s all about how he wakes up tomorrow morning. If he gets up without any setbacks, he’ll “begin the progression” as Snitker said.
The Braves haven’t been able to put a timeline on his Spring season because they’re just not sure how the injury would heel.
If no setbacks, the earliest we could probably see Gohara would be this weekend. But the Braves will probably take it a little slow with him and not push the issue. I see at least another bullpen session, then move into live BP and then another bullpen before he’s ready to go. Maybe mid-to-late next week could be more realistic.