Mike Foltynewicz continues to work his way back to health and threw what was described as a "controlled" mound session on Sunday. Foltynewicz threw just 15 pitches in the session but it was seen as another step forward in the process.
Foltynewicz was feeling good after the session and talked about his progress with MLB.com's Mark Bowman.
"My arm feels great right now," Foltynewicz said. "I don't know if it's the adrenaline being in front of everybody out there. But it feels good. That's all I care about."
Foltynewicz was diagnosed with a blood clot late last season and had to have a portion of a rib removed from behind his right shoulder. He spent several months on blood thinners and is likely to begin the season on the disabled list. Sunday's mound session likely won't change that timeline as the team has zero incentive to rush Foltynewicz back before he is ready.
A healthy battle for the remaining spots in the Braves' rotation appears to be brewing between a mix of young players and veterans looking for second chances. At some point though, Foltynewicz should be able to find his way back into the mix once he is fully recovered and has rebuilt his arm strength to the point where he is ready.