Julio Teheran was smiling, joking and making his World Cup predictions with reporters Thursday. In the midst of a disabled-list stint during a down season, he maintained a positive outlook.
Teheran repeatedly stressed the same theme: I’m feeling healthy now.
He was about to throw his second bullpen session since he was placed on the DL with a thumb contusion, and after straining through arm pain for part of the season, he had a brief break.
Teheran’s velocity has dipped throughout the season. It plunged into the mid-80s during his last start against the Padres, after which the right-hander acknowledged he’s experienced staggered arm soreness.
Thursday was the first day Teheran was eligible to come off the DL, and his initial hope was he would return to the rotation – again against the Padres – that night.
“Depends how I feel,” Teheran said. “I’ve been feeling really good, especially after throwing that bullpen (Tuesday). The day after it was good.”
Instead of game action, Teheran threw his second side session. The Braves and Teheran expect him to face the Padres in the series finale Sunday.
“He threw a good bullpen (session) and he was fine,” manager Brian Snitker said. “The plan will be, unless something comes up from now until then, for him to start of Sunday.”
The team has been conservative with Teheran. He was told to only throw fastballs in his first session because of the recurring soreness.
Teheran, who made his fifth opening-day start in 2018, has been blistered by the long ball. His 14 homers allowed are the third-most in the National League, and his 4.31 overall ERA balloons to 6.11 across his past five outings.
His 56 strikeouts against 33 walks would the worst ratio of his career. But Teheran thinks he’ll benefit from the extra rest, as long as there aren’t any setbacks.
The Braves have essentially employed a six-man rotation for much of the season, and the additional rest has paid dividends, especially for emerging ace Sean Newcomb.
Anibal Sanchez started for the Braves on Thursday. Brandon McCarthy and Newcomb, the next two starters, will get an extra day of rest before Teheran likely returns.
Snitker expressed belief that how the team’s managed its arms now will help in September. The organization’s pitching depth has made it easier, allowing for several options when spot-starts are needed, he pointed out.
And while starters such as Mike Foltynewicz and Newcomb have taken steps forward, it’d be a boon for the Braves if rotation mainstay Teheran rediscovers the form that placed him atop their five-man unit in the first place.
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