Last October, Julio Teheran’s Braves tenure seemed to be on life support. Five months later, Teheran is still with the team – and might extend his franchise record.
With Mike Foltynewicz on the mend from elbow soreness, the Braves are still debating who will start opening day - March 28 - in Philadelphia. The decision hasn’t been made, but the team appears to be leaning toward Teheran.
The 28-year-old has made a franchise-high five consecutive opening-day starts. His sixth could come at the same venue in which he made his major-league debut in 2011.
It will be manager Brian Snitker’s decision, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos hinted that Teheran is the likely choice.
“I’d say we certainly have a lean,” Anthopoulos said. “I think part of it is the teams you face. You look at Philadelphia, a lot of right-handed bats. Obviously Bryce (Harper) is fantastic from the left side. But it’s a right-handed hitting team. Certain guys do line up well against right-handers.
“That being said, we’re playing more than one game against them. I know it’s a big deal who gets the opening-day start and so on, (but) we’re just going to line things up with whatever makes the most sense and gives us the best chance to win.”
Kevin Gausman was slowed by shoulder soreness, and while he’ll probably pitch in the first week of the regular season, he wouldn’t be ready for opening day. Sean Newcomb would be the only other logical choice, given the Braves likely wouldn’t summon one of their prospects for the season’s first start.
Teheran has pitched well at Citizens Bank Park, where he owns a 3.11 ERA with a .214 average against, 47 strikeouts against 11 walks in nine starts (55 innings). Teheran also tossed the first complete-game shutout in the ballpark’s history.
On the flip side, Harper has had more success against Teheran than anybody. He has 18 hits in 40 at-bats (.450), including eight homers (his most versus any pitcher) with a 1.702 OPS. The Braves are tasked with slowing down a revamped Phillies team that also added J.T. Realmuto, Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura to their lineup.
Teheran has given the Braves reason for optimism. He’s put on eight pounds and his velocity has ticked up through spring training.
“He had his highest (strikeout) rate last year, and with the added mass, I think he has a chance to take one more step,” Anthopoulos said. “He looks great.”
