Dallas Keuchel is officially one start closer to making his Braves debut. According to David O’Brien of the Athletic, the plan was for Keuchel to make 2 minor league starts and a third was a possibility if felt needed. Now, with Sean Newcomb getting hit in the head by a scorching line drive, the odds are heavily in favor of Keuchel taking his spot the next time around.
Keuchel was not unhittable like he was for Single-A Rome. He gave up 11 hits but held the Mobile BayBears to just 3 runs in his start with Mississippi. Not a sexy stat line, but no reason to worry. Keuchel has looked prepared for his start to the season, and now may be the time he returns to the mound.
The Braves have been on a tear ever since the callup of Austin Riley and got even hotter after the Keuchel signing. Considering they already have the second-best record in the National League with Folty and Gausman struggling, Keuchel should provide them with a huge boost.