The Braves announced an eye-popping Opening Day rotation that features two rookies (Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright) in their first series up in Philadelphia. A lot of that has to do with the fact that two of their top pitchers (Mike Foltynwicz and Kevin Gausman) will begin the year on the Injured List. It’s thrilling to have an early opportunity to witness what the likes of Wilson and Wright can provide the Braves, but getting the full arsenal up and running cannot come soon enough for a team hoping to repeat as NL East champs.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, the goal remains to have both of them back in the first month of the season.
“Foltynewicz, who was originally projected to be Atlanta’s Opening Day starter, threw 35 pain-free pitches of batting practice Sunday morning,” Bowman said. “This was the first time he faced hitters since his right elbow began bothering him following his Feb. 24 spring debut. There’s a chance he’ll be ready during the latter portion of Atlanta’s second homestand (April 11-18).”
Gausman is slightly ahead of Folty in his recovery, throwing 78 pitches in 3 1/3 innings of minor league work on Sunday. After the game, Gausman did say he felt his energy wane as he got further along in the outing, but positively, did not feel any adverse effects from the shoulder injury that has been bothering him. The plan is for him to miss the opening week of the season and start on April 6th against the Marlins.