The Braves are leaning toward starting Max Fried on Tuesday in Miami.
Luiz Gohara, once presumed the likelier candidate, had a spotty start with Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday, allowing four runs on seven hits in 4-1/3 innings. His velocity was up and down, according to manager Brian Snitker.
“It spiked a little bit, but not consistent where you’d like to see it,” he said. “I’ve seen him really, really good at the end of last year, and he’s not there yet.”
Fried, who was placed on the disabled list with a blister July 6, pitched 4-2/3 innings for Gwinnett on Wednesday, striking out six and walking three on 76 pitches.
“Probably going to lead toward Max right now,” Snitker said of Tuesday’s starter. “He’s throwing really good. His finger is fine and I’d probably lean toward him.”
Fried, 24, has accumulated a 3.92 ERA across 20-2/3 innings this season. He most recently pitched three innings July 5 against the Brewers, walking three and allowing four earned runs.
For Gohara, it’s a continuation of his attempt to find form. He missed spring training with a pair of injuries, and bounced between the majors and minors in the first half, unable to establish a consistent routine.
The team still hopes Gohara can be an asset down the stretch, when the Braves will jockey with the Phillies and Nationals for the National League East title.
“Consistent work will get him back to where we know he can be,” Snitker said. “He’s not there yet. It’s evident in the reports that he’s not there. We’ve seen him here really good and we’re working here to get him stretched out and in really good shape.”
