A trio of ailing Braves arms have pitched in the past two days.
Starter Mike Foltynewicz pitched in a minor-league game Friday, throwing 43 pitches over 2-2/3 innings. Foltynewicz will start the Triple-A opener, and likely will require another start or two before rejoining the Braves’ rotation later in April.
“He felt great,” manager Brian Snitker said of his ace, whose spring was ruined by elbow soreness. “He’s right on tab to start the opener for Gwinnett on Thursday.”
Starter Kevin Gausman and reliever A.J. Minter pitched Saturday. Gausman threw 90 pitches across six innings, while Minter tossed one frame (20 pitches). Gausman, stalled by shoulder soreness, is eligible to return April 5 against Miami.
Minter could return within the next week, strengthening the back of the Braves’ bullpen. Their co-closer has battled shoulder discomfort of his own.
“Reports were really good for him,” Snitker said. “Everything came out great, he felt good. I think he gave up a homer and struck out three. Gausman, he’s right where we want him to be also.”
