The Atlanta Braves announced late in Saturday’s game that Joel De La Cruz will move in from the bullpen and make his third career start in Sunday’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies.
RHP Joel De La Cruz will start tomorrow’s game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 31, 2016
De La Cruz is 0-3 on the season with a 4.66 ERA in nine appearances. His last start came on July 4 against the Phillies when he allowed nine hits and seven runs although only four of those runs were earned. He has made seven relief appearances since that start allowing four hits and three earned runs.
It was originally thought that the Braves might turn to Casey Kelly for Sunday’s start. However, he took his regular turn for Gwinnett on Saturday and lasted just one inning before being pulled for an undisclosed injury.