Right-hander Dan Winkler threw 25 pitches in simulated-game conditions Tuesday afternoon, and could make his debut for the Braves next week after throwing another “sim game” later this week. The former Rockies minor leaguer is completing his recovery from Tommy John elbow surgery.
Winkler, 25, was a Rule 5 Draft pick by the Braves in December and will have to be on their 25-man roster for the early part of the 2016 season or be offered back to the Rockies for half the $50,000 claiming price. He was outstanding at Double-A Tulsa in 2014 before injuring his elbow, posting a 1.41 ERA in 12 starts with 71 strikeouts and 17 walks in 70 innings.
“He threw the ball well,” Gonzalez said. “He’s kind of funky, kind of deceptive. He hides (the ball) a little bit. We’ll see. One more and then we’ll run him out there and see if he can give us an inning.”
Folty update: Mike Foltynewicz could be back in a relief role at some point on the Braves' final road trip that begins Monday. Recovering from a viral illness, the right-hander threw off flat ground Tuesday and will have one or two bullpen sessions off the mound and throw batting practice before he's used in a game.
Banuelos to see Dr. Andrews: Rookie left-hander Manny Banuelos, who was scratched from his last scheduled start last week in Philadelphia, will have his sore pitching elbow examined by Dr. James Andrews Wednesday or Thursday. The Braves hope Banuelos has nothing worse than a bone chip and won't require surgery. He already had Tommy John surgery on the elbow in 2014.
