Kolby Allard has struggled mightily for the Atlanta Braves since his impressive 4.2-inning performance at the end of June against Minnesota. He walked one batter and struck out eight of them during that game.
Since then, Allard has combined for just 7.2 innings across 3 starts in the month of July. He's allowed 9 runs on 13 hits with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts. Opponents batted .371 against the lefty during the month as well.
#Braves placed LHP Kolby Allard on the 60-day IL (retroactive to July 17) with left shoulder nerve inflammation.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) July 18, 2023
OF Forrest Wall was called up to take his place on the active roster.
He exited his most recent start against the White Sox on Sunday after 1.2 innings with "left shoulder tightness". We learned on Tuesday that Allard was placed on the 60-day IL retroactive to July 17th. It was announced that he is dealing with left shoulder nerve inflammation.
While Max Fried is getting closer every day to joining the Braves rotation, this isn't a great development as Atlanta now has to find another option to cover Allard's spot. The move being a 60-day stint on the IL isn't good news for Allard who has struggled mightily in his MLB career so far.
In a corresponding to move, the Atlanta Braves selected the contract of Forrest Wall from Triple-A Gwinnett to replace Allard's spot on the roster.
Forrest Wall does love The Lake House but his favorite Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves movie is Speed as he pays homage to that film by racing around the basepaths on this RBI triple like the bus raced around the highways of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/eM5pCtRHsl
— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) July 16, 2023
Wall is having a pretty decent season for the Stripers batting .258/.360/.399 with 6 homers and 38 RBI. His OPS sits at .759 and he has 45 stolen bases through 78 games so far. This makes him a great pinch-running option for the Braves.
That move also raises some questions as to how the Braves feel about the health of Eddie Rosario who left last Saturday's game early with hamstring tightness. Wall is likely a depth move as Sam Hilliard would most likely get playing time if Rosario doesn't play but it makes you wonder if Rosario's injury may turn into an IL stint as well.