The pitching plan for Atlanta’s upcoming series in Baltimore are starting to come into view. Brian Snitker announced during his pregame media session Saturday that Touki Toussaint will start Monday’s series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. Tuesday’s starter is still to be determined while Cole Hamels is currently penciled in to make his season debut on Wednesday.
Toussaint’s last appearance came on August 23 in relief where he allowed two hits and a run in 1 1/3 innings against the Phillies. His last starting assignment came on August 17 where he walked six while allowing two hits and four runs in three innings against the Nationals. Control issues plagued Toussaint during his stint in the rotation. For the season, Toussaint has a 7.89 ERA and a 6.10 FIP in 21 2/3 innings.
Hamels took part in a sim game last week and is lined up to make Wednesday’s start barring any setbacks. He will be on a pitch limit as he continues to get stretched out. Snitker also said that Max Fried would be in line to start Friday’s game in New York.
A bullpen game for Tuesday would appear likely. Some combination of Huascar Ynoa or Bryce Wilson depending on what happens this weekend. Sean Newcomb was added to the bullpen on Saturday and it is worth mentioning that Snitker said he was stretched out like a starter. He would be an option as well if they were able to get through the weekend without using him. For those wondering about Mike Foltynewicz, he pitched on Tuesday at the alternate site and touched 95 mph according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. He is scheduled to start again on Sunday so he could be an option as well over the final weeks of the season.