Chris Johnson heads to the DL, Braves Call Up Mike Foltynewicz
Chris Johnson is headed to the 15-Day Disabled List, as he fractured his left hand in Thursday’s contest against the Reds. The Braves have responded by calling up Mike Foltynewicz to make the start Friday. Folty makes his Braves debut and his first major league start, as he worked out of the Astros bullpen last season. This come after Trevor Cahill was inserted to pitch in relief during Wednesday’s game against the Nationals. While Manager Fredi Gonzalez insists that Cahill’s move to the bullpen is temporary, one would think that Foltynewicz could take his starter spot if he impresses. While this may simply end up being a spot start, Cahill has been lackluster to say the least, giving up 15 earned runs in 14.1 innings. Meanwhile, Folty has impressed in four starts for AAA Gwinnett. He has a 2.08 ERA in 21.2 innings, with 30 Ks and 10 BBs. He was ranked MLB.com’s #78 prospect headed into the 2015 season and was the big piece John Hart got in return for Evan Gattis. The flamethrower was my most recent Prospect of the Week due to his performance to kick off the season. The kid has unbelievable velocity, and if he can stay in control he can be a great starter for the Braves for years to come. Expect Alberto Callaspo and Phil Gosselin to see more playing time with Chris Johnson out. CJ has been severely underutilized by Fredi Gonzalez this season, and has seen Callaspo take a ton of his playing time. If the Braves send down Foltynewicz after his start, Pedro Ciriaco could get a call up to give the team another infielder.
Donnie Veal Called Up, John Cornely Optioned to AAA
The Braves have opted to carry three LHPs, as they called up Donnie Veal to the big league club and sent down John Cornely shortly after making his big league debut Wednesday. For Cornely, it was a night to forget. He gave up four earned runs in his first inning of work against the Nationals. Donnie Veal has some big league experience, including stints with the White Sox and the Pirates. He has yet to give up a run in ten appearances with AAA Gwinnett. It is quite bizarre that the team is carrying three lefties. I speculate that Ian Thomas or Veal will be sent down to the AAA within the week to bring back Brandon Cunniff, who was very effective in Atlanta’s bullpen to begin the season.
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