The Atlanta Braves made one of the most surprising moves of the young 2020 season on Monday, deciding to designate starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz after a disastrous outing in Tampa.
Foltynewicz, who was a National League All-Star in 2018 and considered one of the Braves’ top pitchers, had dealt with low velocity and shaky effectiveness in Spring Training and Summer Camp alike.
Foltynewicz wasn’t quite as good in 2019, allowing more home runs and a higher ERA, but retaining his spot in the Braves rotation and making two NLDS starts in the Braves’ series loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Those issues came to a head at Tropicana Field on Monday, as Foltynewicz barely hit 90 mph with his once-blazing fastball and surrendered 6 runs (all earned) and 4 walks in only 3.1 innings pitched.
Not only that, but the big right-handed also gave up three home runs and simply couldn’t get outs consistently.
Foltynewicz is out of Minor League options, which means that the Braves will now look for a trade partner for their starter before having to release him. The Boston Red Sox are among the teams which have been suggested as possible landing spots for the pitcher.
