Atlanta Braves have two representatives at the MLB Futures Game, both appear in game

Two Braves prospects appear in MLB Futures Game on Sunday night

The MLB Futures Game was played on Sunday afternoon with the best prospects in the minor leagues as Team USA faced Team World.  The Atlanta Braves had two representatives to this great event and both appeared in the game.

Starting pitcher Kyle Wright was selected to the USA team originally.  Wright, who is currently pitching for the Braves Double-A affiliate Mississippi Braves, is the Braves #2 ranked prospect behind Mike Soroka.

At first, Wright was the only Braves selected to play in this game, but when Francisco Mejia was recalled to the Cleveland Indians, Touki Toussaint got the call to join the Futures Game.  Braves #10 prospect, Toussaint, joined the World team.

Balls were flying around the park on Sunday afternoon during this game.   By the time Wright or Toussaint saw the field, USA was up 9-6.

Wright came into the game in the 8th inning, but he didn’t start that inning.  He replaced C.D. Pelham after he walked the leadoff man and then the next batter reached base after an error by the first baseman.  All the sudden, team World had runners on first and third, no outs and the tying runner coming to the plate.

Our boy, Kyle Wright was then inserted into the game.  After two quick strikes, he was able to get Miguel Amaya to pop out to shallow center field.  One out.  Then Wright got Andres Gimenez to ground into a double play to end the inning.

Wright looked strong! Fastball sat between 94-96 and had a nice looking slider that was around the mid-80’s.

Toussaint came into the game in the bottom of the 8th inning.  He started this inning, but it didn’t go quite as well as Wright’s inning.

Taylor Trammell, who went on to win MVP of the game, hit a line drive triple to right field.  Touki was able to get the next hitter to line drive pop out to right, but the next batter hit a sac fly deep enough to score Tammell.  Out number three came by strikeout on three pitches.

Trammell said after the game about Toussaint “I have nothing but respect for that guy. I hear guys in Double-A talk about the way he pitches to them. … He has nasty stuff. …. I was very impressed with him today.” quote from AJC’s Gabe Burns.

The 22-year-old is currently pitching with the Triple-A affiliate, Gwinnett Stripers.  He was called up to start the Stripers game on July 5th.  He’s had a fantastic 2018 season…over 17 starts in both Double-A and Triple-A (one start) he holds a 2.82 ERA with 112 strikeouts and 39 walks.  He’s a very intriguing part of the Braves future!

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This isn’t the only event the Braves players will be represented in.  Freddie Freeman will participate in the MLB Home Run Derby on Monday night and Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Nick Markakis and Mike Foltynewicz will all be in the 2018 MLB All-Star game.