Foltynewicz throws side session, awaits evaluation

Atlanta Braves new pitching coach Rick Kranitz works with Mike Foltynewicz in the bullpen as pitchers and catchers report for the first day of spring training at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Lake Buena Vista.    Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Atlanta Braves new pitching coach Rick Kranitz works with Mike Foltynewicz in the bullpen as pitchers and catchers report for the first day of spring training at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Lake Buena Vista. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz threw a side session Sunday and will be further evaluated Monday as he works his way back from elbow soreness.

“He’s going to have to throw some live BPs and start from the get-go, similar to what he did the first day he pitched, and then go from there,” manager Brian Snitker said.

Foltynewicz was officially ruled out for opening day last week. The team won’t put an expectation on when he’ll return, but mid-April seems feasible if Foltynewicz doesn’t experience a setback. Despite the Braves’ nucleus of starters, a lengthy Foltynewicz absence would be a hard hit.

The right-hander made only one start this spring. He’s coming off the best season of his career, in which he produced a 2.85 ERA with 202 strikeouts, earning his first All-Star appearance.

“We’re going to build him back up,” Snitker said. “We can’t take him into the season throwing 70 pitches. We have to build him back up.”