As the Braves continue through spring training, the race for a fifth starter behind Mike Foltynewicz, Sean Newcomb, Kevin Gausman and Julio Teheran is under way. Braves beat reporter Gabriel Burns will provide a daily handicap of the race for the final spot.
The rankings will fluctuate as circumstances change, be that because of performance, injury or the team’s thinking.
Here’s how the pitchers stack up March 10:
1. Kyle Wright
Wright is slated to start Monday against the Pirates, which will be his first appearance since a brilliant showing in Tampa. He’s proved to be perhaps even more advanced than expected. If he maintains this production over the next couple weeks, it’d be hard to start him in the minors.
2. Touki Toussaint
Toussaint entered camp the favorite for the job. His last outing was his best, when he tossed three scoreless frames against the Tigers, who hit him for five earned runs in the previous outing. Toussaint’s performance is a bit volatile at this point, so perhaps the Braves opt for a more stable option. There’s no question, however, the payoff in grooming Toussaint could be huge.
3. Max Fried
Fried looked excellent against the Phillies on Friday night, pitching 3-2/3 innings, allowing one run and striking out four. It’s up in the air if he starts the season in the majors, but he’ll factor in the Braves’ immediate plans. He might currently be a more reliable option than Toussaint, which could get him early looks as a starter, especially given the health worries with the Braves’ rotation locks.
4. Bryse Wilson
After getting roughed up by the Blue Jays on March 1, Wilson rebounded nicely with three scoreless, one-hit innings against the Marlins on Wednesday. The Braves might let him get stretched out in Triple-A, but he should contribute as a starter and reliever during the season.
Others:
Mike Soroka
A healthy Soroka could’ve been the clear front-runner for the job, but his shoulder hasn’t cooperated. He’s working his way back and hopes to pitch in games towards the end of spring training. It goes without saying, but the Braves do expect him to play an important role this season.
Kolby Allard
The Marlins beat up on Allard, collecting three hits — including a Peter O’Brien grand slam — that prevented him from finishing his lone frame Sunday. Allard sat in the low 90s, and his command/stuff hasn’t proven enough to make up for that lacking velocity. His season will probably start in Triple-A.
Luiz Gohara
Gohara has yet to pitch in a game this spring. He was optioned to minor-league camp Friday as he tries to get healthy. His arm talent is intriguing enough to retain hope, but he’s a complete wild card at this time.
