Luiz Gohara to make first start Wednesday in Philadelphia

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It took much longer than anticipated entering the season, but Luiz Gohara will make his first start Wednesday in Philadelphia.

The left-hander said after Friday’s game he was informed he will get the nod. With Mike Soroka on the disabled list and requiring a rehab start, the Braves had a spot open.

“We just talked about it, and I’m ready and excited for my first start in 2018,” he said.

Gohara, 21, entered the season among the most heralded prospects in a rich system. His five September starts a season ago teased the makings of a powerful, strikeout-heavy lefty. Gohara averaged just under 97 mph on his fastball.

He was expected to be the No. 5 starter, but didn’t make an appearance in spring training after he was slowed by groin and ankle injuries. He was activated in late April and joined the Braves at the beginning of their last road trip.

The rotation had been crowded to the point that Gohara was bumped to the bullpen. The Braves have made it clear he's a starter long-term, though manager Brian Snitker has liked what Gohara has shown as a reliever.

He has made three appearances out of the bullpen in the past eight days, most recently Friday. Gohara pitched 1-2/3 innings against the Marlins, did not allow a hit and struck out one.

In four minor-league rehab starts, Gohara allowed 18 runs (12 earned) in 15-2/3 innings. His brief work in the majors has already mitigated some concerns that could’ve arose over that period.

“It’s getting better and better,” Snitker said. “We just keep running him out there. I see it just keeps ticking up.”

Gohara said he has felt the same as he did last season. He has maintained the aggressive pound-the-zone mindset that produced 31 strikeouts in 29-1/3 major-league innings in 2017.

Snitker didn’t consider giving Gohara a longer outing Friday because he felt another inning wouldn’t have made a difference toward preparing him for his first start.

It was a difficult offseason for Gohara, who held his father as he died in his arms in December. The memory of his father has carried him through the season, and will as he makes his first start and beyond.

“The one thing that’s helped me moving forward is knowing my dad’s been watching me every day, all day,” he said. “It doesn’t matter for how many years, he’s going to be there and he’s going to be proud. It was a long offseason, but I’m passing through now and fighting. Just here to help the team get some wins and get our outs.”