Some concerning news for the Atlanta Braves as Kyle Wright left tonight's game against the Miami Marlins with an injury.
Wright pitched into the third inning but was not able to record an out. He finished the night with 2+ IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, and 3 K. He did not look sharp in the second inning and it became worse in the third inning. After two batters reached, Brian Snitker, Rick Kranitz, and the Braves training crew made their way to the mound. Shortly after, Wright left the game with the injury that was later updated to be right shoulder soreness.
RHP Kyle Wright left tonight’s game with right shoulder soreness.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 4, 2023
The Braves were already needing to make a decision about Thursday's game with the Miami Marlins. They had pushed Max Fried to Friday, meaning the starter for the series finale was TBD. Initial reports said the Braves would make a decision based on how tonight's game went. Meaning the Braves were considering a bullpen game to some degree. Now with the bullpen having to cover multiple innings in relief due to injury, they will probably need to turn to either Jared Shuster or Dylan Dodd for tomorrow's start.
After tomorrow, who knows. If Shuster or Dodd do get the nod, they now have an opportunity to stay in the rotation for a few more starts instead of a spot start. There is also Michael Soroka floating around in Gwinnett looking to make his inevitable return to the majors after the two Achilles injuries. The Braves appear to be taking a conservative approach with Soroka though, so it stands to be seen if he is a serious option at this point.
Bryce Elder becomes much more important if Wright's injury is serious. As the 5th starter, he will be relied on more. Whether the peripherals worry you or not, Elder has gotten good results in his young major league career. Hopefully, he can continue that trend.
For now, we wish Kyle Wright a speedy recovery. For a guy that had finally broke out after a tumultuous start to his career, we can only hope the injury does not stop the momentum he had created.
It is also a reminder that a major league baseball franchise can never have too much pitching.
**UPDATE** After the game, it was reported that Kyle Wright will indeed head to the injured list due to his shoulder issues.
Kyle Wright will go on the injured list. Michael Harris II will not.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) May 4, 2023