Braves spring training: Evaluation of starting rotation after two turns through
The battle for the last two spots
It seems like Felix Hernandez, Kyle Wright, Sean Newcomb, Bryse Wilson, and Touki Toussaint are battling for the final two spots in the rotation.
If we’re just going by the numbers, Kyle Wright has by far been the best of that group after the first two times through the rotation.
Wright sharp in first Spring start. light. Related Story
He’s yet to give up a run in 5 innings while allowing just 2 hits and no walks with 7 strikeouts.
Interestingly enough, Wright has yet to start a game, which could be part of the reason for his gaudy numbers as he’s faced more back-ups later in the game.
But still, all indications are that he looks great and at this point, it’s going to be hard not to keep him in the rotation.
King Felix has been great as well giving up just 1 earned run on 3 hits and 1 walk over 4.2 innings with 6 strikeouts.
As we talked about on our latest podcast, it feels like there is a big push for King Felix to make the Opening Day rotation.
If he keeps pitching as he has, that will certainly happen.
Newcomb had a very shaky first outing and struggled with his command, but he was much better in his second start — granted, I was only able to watch his first start.
His overall stats are: 5 IP, 5 H, 0 BB, 7 K, 2 ER.
The important stat to look at is the walks, and right now he’s looking good there. If he keeps that up, he’ll almost certainly start the season in the rotation.
Wilson and Touki are still longshots in my mind, especially with the three I just mentioned pitching really well.
Bryce has given up just 2 earned runs on 5 hits and 1 walk over 4.2 innings with 2 strikeouts making 2 starts.
Touki has strictly come out of the bullpen and has worked 4.2 innings giving up 1 hit, 2 walks, 1 earned run with 5 strikeouts.