Mike Foltynewicz headed back to Triple-A

The Atlanta Braves optioned pitcher Mike Foltynewicz to Triple-A Gwinnett following Sunday's loss to the Colorado Rockies. He will return to Gwinnett's starting rotation after a short stint in Atlanta's bullpen.

Following today's game, the Braves optioned RHP Mike Foltynewicz to Gwinnett (AAA).

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 12, 2015

We discussed this possibility a bit yesterday. The Braves think Foltynewicz could be successful in a late inning bullpen role, but they haven't given up on him yet developing into a successful starting pitcher. According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, the team wants Foltynewicz to spend the next couple of weeks focusing on his power pitches while shying away from his slider which has proven to be inconsistent to this point.

Foltynewicz made nine starts with the Braves before being demoted on June 18. He totaled a 5.19 ERA over that span with 48 strikeouts and 17 walks. Atlanta recalled Foltynewicz on July 7 to add another arm to the bullpen and allowed two runs in 2 2/3 innings in three relief appearances.