When the Braves called up Huascar Ynoa to the major league squad, it was a bit of a shock. The 21-year old fireballer began the year in Florida with the Fire Frogs and has flown through the minors even though his statistics are not overly impressive. Brian Snitker was likely never planning him on using him in a major league game, but when the Braves went up by double digits on the Phillies, it was the perfect opportunity for him to make his debut.
Ynoa was stellar, pitching two scoreless innings, allowing one hit while striking out two. He was also throwing GAS. Check out this comparison from the Pitching Ninja of his fastball and slider:
Huascar Ynoa, 98mph Fastball and 88mph Slider, Overlay. pic.twitter.com/ljGKOMqucZ
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 16, 2019
That’s filthy, and the stuff of a pitcher who can become an elite late-inning arm in his career. With the Braves desperate for relief help, it may not be long before they give Ynoa another, more extended stint in Atlanta – much like they did with Chad Sobotka last season. Although this move was always temporary for now.
Grant Dayton comes back up in his place, and to be honest, it’s a bit confusing why he has spent so much time in AAA. The southpaw was expected to be a piece of the bullpen when healthy. He made his Braves debut on April 30th and pitched in four other contests without allowing a run. However, somehow that wasn’t good enough for Atlanta’s stellar and always reliable bullpen… Dayton’s been in AAA ever since, recording a 2.65 ERA over 15 appearances.