Atlanta Braves, Brian Snitker, announce starting rotation after the All-Star break
Braves have their starting rotation planned out for after the All-Star break
It’s here! The 2018 MLB All-Star break is upon us and it brings a much needed break for the Atlanta Braves players. The Braves went 5-8 in the first part of July and have fallen back to a half game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL East.
The MLB Home Run Derby is on Monday, followed by the All-Star game Tuesday night. Then, all teams are off Wednesday and Thursday. We’re back at it on Friday with a start of a three-game series with the Washington Nationals. This series is played in Washington DC, which I’m kinda surprised they’re back playing there after the All-Star festivities.
Following Sunday’s win against the Arizona Diamondbacks, manager Brian Snitker told the media their plan for the starting rotation once we return to playing.
The Braves will go like this…
Friday – Anibal Sanchez
Saturday – Sean Newcomb
Sunday – Mike Foltynewicz
After posting a 2.66 ERA with 120 strikeouts in 101.2 innings pitched, Folty will be making his first MLB All-Star game. The 26-year-old could very well pitch in this event, but Snitker told the media that this shouldn’t change anything for the Atlanta Braves.
Snit now says Folty will likely start next Sunday's game against the Nationals, regardless of whether he pitches during Tuesday's All-Star Game.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 15, 2018
Following the Washington series, the Braves will travel to Miami to take on the Marlins in a two-game series. Snit told the media they’re planning on going like this…
Monday – Julio Teheran
Tuesday – Luiz Gohara (likely)
Gohara last pitched on Friday with the Gwinnett Stripers and went six innings, gave up seven hits, two runs, one walk and had three strikeouts. He’s scheduled to pitch again on Wednesday, July 18th against the Indianapolis Indians. Things would line up for him to have one extra day of rest and be ready to start on Tuesday, July 24th against the Marlins.
The 21-year-old has had a rollercoaster season with the injuries, the death of his father and his mother’s health issues. Hopefully the kid can have a successful final few months of the 2018 season.
Braves starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy, continues to be sidelined with knee tendonitis and it seems as though he isn’t close to returning. Mike Soroka is still dealing with shoulder soreness and was moved to the 60-day disabled list June 27. He hasn’t starting throwing yet.
The door is open for Gohara and hopefully he can shine. He proved last in 2017 that he has the potential to be something great and this is a huge opportunity to prove what he’s got once again.
While I say that, the Braves and first-year GM Alex Anthopoulos have 16 days until the MLB trade deadline. Will they acquire a starting pitcher? Will they find some much needed bullpen help? Oh, and what’s this Mike Moustakas rumors I’m seeing…
Next: Trade rumors: let's talk about Manny Machado
We’ll see what happens. The Braves are definitely in contention for the NL East and/or a Wild Card spot. We’re currently 52-42 within their first 94 games. What will happen in the final 68 games?