The hits do not stop coming when it comes to the Braves pitching staff. Before today, Atlanta was already without two of their best starters as well as four of their top relief arms, and we can now add Kolby Allard to the list. The team announced today he is headed to the 60-day IL with shoulder inflammation, likely ending his season.
The #Braves today selected the contract of OF Forrest Wall and placed LHP Kolby Allard on the 60-day injured list, backdated to July 17, with left shoulder nerve inflammation.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 18, 2023
Allard left Sunday afternoon’s contest in the second inning with shoulder tightness after being roughed around. The White Sox managed four runs off of him on seven hits. It’s likely he would have been headed back to AAA anyways, but this is a tough blow for the 25-year-old, who had a real promising first start for the Braves a few weeks ago.
As far as the team is concerned, it shouldn’t change much of anything. Allard was nothing more than a placeholder the Braves hoped could eat some innings until guys like Max Fried and Kyle Wright return. He was never in the team’s long-term plans.
For now, Forrest Wall will take Allard’s place on the roster. He’s an intriguing player because of his speed, stealing 45 bases this year in Gwinnett on just 49 attempts. The Braves will likely replace him on the active roster with another starting pitcher when Allard’s spot in the rotation comes up again, but Wall is a sneaky candidate to make the playoff roster as a pinch runner and defensive replacement.
—
Photo: Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.