Atlanta Braves 2024 season preview: Huascar Ynoa looks to work his way back

Huascar Ynoa has pitched a total of 6.2 innings in over two years because of injury. In 122.1 career innings with the Atlanta Braves, as a starter and reliever, Ynoa has a 4-8 record with a 5.22 ERA. He is entering the 2024 season ready to join the Gwinnett Stripers.

The most realistic expectation is for Ynoa to start in the bullpen for the Gwinnett Stripers and potentially work his way back into the Triple-A starting rotation by season's end. Of course if there are injuries in Atlanta, or he's dominating in Gwinnett, Ynoa can find himself back in the big leagues with the Braves.

Fangraphs Steamer sees Ynoa working 44 innings in 2024 across 37 appearances. They are also predicting a 10+ K/9 rate which seems incredibly high at first glance for someone who has not pitched since 2022. However, the Braves coaching staff have made adjustments with Ynoa for him to be in position for success.

Ynoa naturally has explosive stuff that can freeze hitters or cause swings and misses. His arm angle has been adjusted to improve control and lower the risk of more injury in the future. This is an adjustment that cannot be made overnight. It will take time for Ynoa to become comfortable enough to fully trust these changes.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Huascar Ynoa's return for Atlanta Braves fans is the fact that we will no longer get to see him hit with the universal desginated hitter. Back when Ynoa was forced to step in the batter's box, he made this most of his opportunities.

In 32 career plate appearanes, Ynoa is a .219 hitter with 2 home runs and 6 runs batted in. Four of those six RBis came from an iconic grand slam he hit against the Braves' divsion rivals, the Washington Nationals.

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