The Braves are still holding out hope that Kyle Wright can carve out a role for himself by the time the postseason arrives. It will likely be out of the bullpen, but if it is the Phillies the Braves are up against, Alex Anthopoulos and Brian Snitker might want to rethink their strategy.
Kyle Wright made his second start for the Braves since returning from a shoulder injury. Coincidentally, both of them have come against the Phillies, and he hasn’t had much success. After giving up six earned runs in just three innings last time out, Wright was only able to make it through four frames on Monday night, surrendering four earned runs courtesy of three balls that left the yard. He also walked four batters to go along with five strikeouts.
Essentially, these are still rehab starts at the major league level, so I’m not too concerned with the actual results as I am in the process. Kyle Wright threw nearly 80 pitches last night, meaning he’s pretty close to fully stretched out and should be available in whatever capacity the Braves might need him. However, he’s going to have to show quite a bit more in his final two outings of the season for the Braves to feel comfortable with him pitching in a playoff environment.
Overall, this has been a year to forget for the 2017 first-round pick. Coming off the best season of his career, expectations were sky-high for Kyle Wright, but multiple shoulder injuries have limited him throughout the year. He hasn’t once looked like the same pitcher he was last season, but that’s not to say 2023 can’t be salvaged in some capacity. Wright’s talent is undeniable. If he can begin to harness his control over these next two starts, he should still find himself on the postseason roster. With the injuries to Dylan Lee, Collin McHugh, and Jesse Chavez, the Braves could use him as a multi-inning reliever at the very least.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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