Dallas Keuchel makes his debut for the Braves on Friday night with a start against the Nationals in Washington, the beginning of what both parties hope is a prosperous relationship.
He’s free to make his start without any restrictions, the Braves said.
The Braves and Keuchel struck a one-year, $13 million deal earlier this month. The 2015 American League Cy Young winner had been throwing simulated games during his lengthy free agency, but made two starts, the first for Single-A Rome and the second for Double-A Mississippi, leading to his debut.
“He’s in great shape,” manager Brian Snitker said. “To get through the ups and downs, even in the minor leagues, we’ll see. It’s different for everybody. (Adding a pitcher of this magnitude under these circumstances) isn’t something you see often. I don’t remember the last time something like this happened.”
Keuchel went 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA for the Astros last season. It was his second season exceeding 200 innings.
