When word got out that Spencer Strider was dealing with an arm injury and was going to miss time, it was very clear that JR Ritchie was going to be the guy who would get an opportunity. Not only had Ritchie already been added back to the big league roster and had been stretched out in the minor leagues, but he was also the guy who had to come in and throw five scoreless innings of relief. The swap just made too much sense, despite the questionable calls for Didier Fuentes to get the chance.
Given Ritchie's pedigree and how well he performed when pressed into service, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about his chances. Sure, his first look at the big leagues was uneven, but that happens to loads of rookies when they first get to the majors, and Ritchie has a better idea what to expect now.
However, that may not actually mean that Ritchie will have a ton of wiggle room when it comes to keeping his rotation spot with the Braves.
JR Ritchie may have to start strong right out of the gate for the Braves this time, because his roster spot is the easiest to swap
Here is the fundamental problem. With Strider out until sometime in the second half, in all likelihood, the Braves' current rotation consists of Chris Sale, Martin Perez, Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes, and Ritchie. Sale isn't going anywhere (nor should he), Perez has earned the trust of the team against all odds, Elder is out of options and was pitching too well (probably) earlier in the year to give up on yet, and Holmes is out of options as well. Atlanta has also shown no inclination that they will move Holmes to the bullpen where he probably belongs.
Meanwhile, you have a pitcher in Ritchie who CAN be optioned with little difficulty and who isn't well-established yet. With Hurston Waldrep likely to work his way back to the majors very soon, AJ Smith-Shawver and Spencer Schwellenbach rehabbing, and prospects like Owen Murphy and Garrett Baumann lurking, who do you really think is the guy most likely to lose their spot? It is probably Ritchie, fair or not. Complicating matters, the Braves are also looking for at least one starter as we speak on the trade market, which makes Ritchie's situation even more tenuous.
Now, that does not mean that Ritchie cannot afford to have one bad start, because that isn't true. Atlanta thinks too highly of Ritchie's potential to jerk him around that much. However, if Ritchie's previous command issues continue to present problems and he strings together a couple of rough outings, don't be surprised if real chatter about entertaining other alternatives at his expense.
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