The Braves’ pitching coach search has come to an end:
Rick Kranitz is expected to be hired as the #Braves’ new pitching coach. He was let go by the #Phillies last month in a surprising move after Aaron Nola in particular and the Philly staff in general improved in Kranitz’s one season as the head pitching coach there.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 3, 2018
Kranitz, 60, has served as the pitching coach for the Marlins (2006-07), Orioles (2008-10), Brewers (2011-15), and most recently, the Phillies (2016-18). He was major league coach of the year back in 2006 with the Marlins.
The choice to move on from Kranitz was a questionable move, but the Phillies had a reasoning. Though there had been clear improvements from young starters Aaron Nola, Nick Pivetta, and Zac Eflin, the team opted to promote 37-year old assistant pitching coach Chris Young to take over the job in fears of losing him to other teams.
It seems as if Kranitz has the seal of approval from many Phillies fans. The Braves will hope he can help develop young pitching as he did in Philadelphia.