The Braves began the season with a depleted pitching staff, losing two of their five starting pitchers and two relievers they expected to utilize in the late innings. Thankfully, it seems as if at least three of those four pitchers are nearing their 2019 debuts.
Mark Bowman of MLB.com provided the encouraging news this afternoon. Per Bowman, Mike Foltynewicz threw 63 pitches on Friday and will aim to throw 80 in a game later this week with the Gwinnett Braves. If all goes well he could return as early as April 9th in Colorado.
Bowman also reports that Kevin Gausman threw 90 pitches in a minor league game and came away feeling fine. He is tentatively scheduled to make his season debut on Friday, April 5 against the Marlins.
Finally, AJ Minter tossed an inning on Saturday and allowed a homer while striking out three. Bowman says he's a candidate to be activated within the next week or so if his shoulder continues to cooperate.
Still no word on reliever Darren O’Day, who has seldom pitched this spring. O’Day underwent hamstring surgery a year ago and dealt with forearm tightness in early March.
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