After another poor performance from Mike Foltynewicz, the 2018 ace has put the Atlanta Braves in a very difficult position.
The Atlanta Braves knew they had to make an upgrade in the starting rotation to replace Kevin Gausman. They did that by signing Dallas Keuchel who could make his debut with the Braves next weekend.
But as Mike Foltynewicz continues to struggle, the Atlanta Braves may have to consider making another upgrade in the starting rotation.
On the season, Folty has a 6.02 ERA in 49.1 innings pitched with 42 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.32.
That’s a far cry from his 2018 season when he posted an ERA of 2.85 in 183 innings with 202 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.08.
Folty started the season injured and you have to think maybe there are some lingering issues there.
It’s obvious to everyone what the issue is with Folty — his slider is not nearly as effective as it was last year, and he’s leaving out over the plate to get drilled for home runs.
He’s already given up 15 home runs this season after giving up 17 all of last year.
You know Folty is aware of that issue as well, but so far he’s been unable to make the correction.
At times he’s shown that dominance that we saw last season, but he hasn’t been able to do it on a consistent basis.
He has three quality starts in his last five outings, but he’s also given up 12 runs in his last three starts.
We all want to give Folty the benefit of the doubt that he’ll figure it out and put it together, but how much longer does he have to figure it out before a change needs to be made?
With Gausman going to the IL and Keuchel replacing him, Folty is now the team’s fifth best starter at this point.
Sean Newcomb has been great out of the bullpen and will get at least one shot at rejoining the rotation. If Newcomb pitches well over the weekend, we could see him replace Folty — or Folty could take a trip to the IL to figure some things out like Gausman.
Either way, Folty’s struggles puts the Atlanta Braves in a very uncomfortable position.
They want to give him every chance to succeed, but if he doesn’t turn it around soon they have to find a replacement for him in the rotation for the stretch run.
Right now, there isn’t anyone in Triple-A ready to take his spot, so the Atlanta Braves may need to make a trade for a veteran to eat up those innings.
I would say Folty has two or three more starts to try and control that slider before the Atlanta Braves have to pull the plug for this season and make a change.