On Monday, the Atlanta Braves announced that Julio Teheran is set to start on opening day, becoming the first Braves to do it five straight seasons.
On the same day he is set to pitch in another spring game, Julio Teheran was announced to start on opening day for the Atlanta Braves. This will be the fifth consecutive time doing so for the 27-year-old, the first in Braves history.
The only thing close to that is former-Braves Hall-of-Famer Warren Spahn who started 6 consecutive times for the Milwaukee Braves, the franchise’s record. As a whole, Spahn made 10 total OD starts
Your 2018 Opening Day starting pitcher...@Julio_Teheran! #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/On09QBU4Bp
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 19, 2018
So far for spring, Teheran has been cruising with a 1.29 ERA in four games. In that span, he has a 3-0 record and seven strikeouts.
The all-time list of Atlanta #Braves pitchers to make 5⃣ consecutive Opening Day starts:
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) March 19, 2018
JULIO TEHERAN
(That's the list.) pic.twitter.com/v1U5EYwtI0
Teheran’s opening day record is a split 1-1 in those 4 starts. The other two games were a no-decision; the Braves ended up losing those games anyway. However in those starts, Teheran produced a nice 1.88 ERA.
It makes sense for him to start, being the ace of the team in a rotation with short-term veterans and inexperienced young guys. Though, with the potential talent of those young guys and depending on how Teheran performs in 2018, this could be the last time he starts for OD.
Teheran is set to start Atlanta’s opener for the fifth consecutive season, which will set the Atlanta era (since 1966) record for a pitcher. He is 1-1 with a 1.88 ERA (5 ER/24.0 IP) in his four Opening Day starts. He tossed 6.0 scoreless innings last year vs the Mets.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 19, 2018
Teheran’s career can be described as an up and down hill. At times, he shows potential as a legit dangerous front line starter but at time looks at best a 4th or 5th starter. In 2017, Teheran had a 4.49 ERA but had one of the better records out of the starters (11-13).
If looking at that “hill”, Teheran is expected to be good again this season.
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For opening day, Teheran and the Braves will be facing the Philadelphia Phillies at home. The rest of the rotation order will probably be announced soon with possibly Mike Foltynewicz following him. Sean Newcomb next, maybe Brandon McCarthy and another if not Luiz Gohara.