For those concerned about the south end of the Braves rotation, the early returns are in and they do not look positive.
With the Marlins’ rough treatment of lefty Eric Stultz on Wednesday afternoon — four earned runs allowed in five innings — Braves No. 4 and 5 starters are 0-2 in three games, allowing 11 runs in 12 1/3 innings (8.05 ERA). Between them, Stultz and Trevor Cahill have allowed 15 baserunners (10 hits, five walks) and one home run.
The Braves first three starters — Julio Teheran, Alex Wood and Shelby Miller — are 4-0 in six starts with a 2.14 ERA.
I don’t think we’ve seen the Stoltz that we wanted to. I think he’s a guy who can get you deeper in ball games, similar to (Miami’s Dan) Herren,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said.
Last season, the bottom of the rotation turned into a team strength. Between Wood, Gavin Floyd and later David Hale, the No. 4 and 5 starters went 12-13 with a 2.16 ERA while averaging 6 1/3 innings in 39 starts.
