Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves Top 3 Spring Training Performers So Far

3. Sean Newcomb (SP)

On Sunday, Sean Newcomb took the bump in a game against the Miami Marlins (his second start) and pitched great, tossing three innings and striking out three — while keeping his streak alive of zero earned-runs. Newcomb has shown some better control so far, as he’s walked three batters total in his two starts.

Most of all, that ERA at 0.00 is looking the best. Granted:  his two starts have come against the Marlins (Sunday) and a New York Mets team that played a bunch of players I’ve never heard of, but he’s still getting the job done and that’s all you can ask.

Here was his line against the Mets back on February 26th: 2 innings pitched, 0 hits, 0 earned runs, 2 walks, and 1 strikeout.

Not bad at all. Time will only tell on whether his control has actually gotten better, but at the moment I would say he has made some strides compared to 2018.

If the pitching rotation continues to go the way it has been going, it looks like Newcomb will get his next start against the Philadelphia Phillies this upcoming Friday, March 8. Being that it’s inching closer and closer to Opening Day, the Phillies might play several regulars in that game; so it could be a good test for Newcomb.

And oh yeah, you have to figure Bryce Harper will be playing in that game as well.

Regardless, Sean Newcomb has looked solid so far in Spring Training, and that’s a great sign for the upcoming season, especially if the Braves go into the start of the season with a few pitchers on the shelf.  Newcomb looks promising right now – we’ll see if it continues when the games matter.