As the Braves get set to continue their series in New York, Brian Snitker provided another update on injured catcher Travis d’Arnaud and right-hander Huascar Ynoa.
D’Arnaud has been working his way back since he broke his thumb May 1 on a play at the plate against Toronto. He recently ramped up his activity and traveled with the team on their current road trip where he has been working out before games. Snitker said that the plan is for d’Arnaud to join Gwinnett Thursday in Memphis to begin a rehab assignment.
“He’s working out again today and he’s scheduled to go out tomorrow if i’m not mistaken,” Snitker said of d’Arnaud. He wasn’t sure how much time that d’Arnaud will need but noted that he will have to build up to catching nine innings and will also see some time at DH. “I think day to day it is going to have a lot to do with it and how he’s feeling physically,”
That is good news for the Braves as d’Arnaud will pair with Stephen Vogt as the catcher tandem hopefully for the remainder of the season.
Ynoa was originally scheduled to pitch in a game Tuesday but that was wiped out due to rain. He ended up throwing a simulated game and that went well according to Snitker.
“Went good, he went three innings and everything was great,” Snitker said of Ynoa’s sim game. “He will throw a side tomorrow.” Snitker added that Ynoa will join a minor league affiliate and pitch Sunday although he was uncertain whether that would be Rome or Gwinnett.
When asked about what Ynoa’s role will be going forward, Snitker answered that the plan currently is for him to stretch out as a starter. He did say that plans could change depending on what the situation is once Ynoa is ready to return.
“The plan right now is to get him stretched out as a starter,” Snitker said. “I think when the time comes, we’ll see where we are at, but we want to get him stretched out so he can start.”
Ynoa may still end up in the bullpen but stretching him out now at least affords them the option of using him as a starter if he was needed.
Update - Looks like Ynoa will be headed to Rome this weekend.
BREAKING: @theynoaa is scheduled to make a rehab appearance at State Mutual Stadium this Sunday, August 1st at 2 p.m. Ynoa has compiled a 4-2 record with a 3.02 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 42.2 IP this season with Atlanta.
— Rome Braves (@TheRomeBraves) July 28, 2021
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