Impressive Pitching Performances
It should be no surprise that the Atlanta's Braves pitching is impressive so far this spring. Pitching is a very important thing for any team to consider and its something Atlanta has always prioritized.
They did a great job in the offseason adding to an already impressive bullpen and strengthening their starting rotation. Chris Sale is the newest addition to the rotation and has looked spectacular so far. Over 4.2 innings, he's allowed zero runs on three hits with two walks and nine strikeouts. His velocity has been nice and the fastball has been between 95 and 97 mph. The slider is also really crisp-looking.
Spencer Strider is having a very impressive spring as well. He has introduced a "curveball" this spring and it's been causing some trouble for hitters. Stider is also trying to use his high-velocity fastball up in the zone more often to allow his curve and changeup to become more effective.
Hitting his spring stride 🌴 pic.twitter.com/piyNFMLA2u
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) March 7, 2024
Strider has completed nine innings of work allowing seven hits including three walks and 13 strikeouts. Most of those strikeouts again have come via the curveball or changeup. However, his fastball has still gotten plenty of whiffs.
Max Fried has looked pretty good but he's only pitched two innings so far. He hasn't allowed any runs or hits but has walked one batter and struck out two of them. His focus is on just staying healthy and getting back on track after a tough 2023 campaign.
Charlie Morton appeared in his first game a couple of days ago and despite his age, he is still pitching extremely well. His curveball has helped keep his career alive longer that he and many others expected.
Reynaldo Lopez was brought on as a free agent this offseason and is being stretched out with the potential to start for the Braves. He could be the fifth starter but will battle with Bryce Elder for that spot. Lopez has come into a game in relief once which shows the Braves are considering him as a long relief option as well.
Regardless of his role, Lopez has looked good for the Braves. He has a 1.13 ERA over eight innings with one run allowed on three hits. He has walked two batters and struck out seven of them. Opponents carry a .120 batting average against him during spring training.
Bryce Elder has struggled a bit this spring but he is starting to get things figured out. He currently has a 7.04 ERA with six runs on 10 hits allowed. He's walked three batters and struck out 10. Elder struggled early in his most recent start against the Red Sox but he got things under control quickly and completed 3.1 innings allowing just one run on two hits with two walks and six strikeouts.
The bullpen has been impressive for the most part as well. There aren't any crazy performances to speak on but the pen has been performing up to the standard fans have come to expect. Overall, pitching is going to be a massive strength for the Braves in 2024.