Drew Smyly was out of the Atlanta Braves’ rotation for their four-game series against the Rockies and Brian Snitker said that the plan for now was for him to pitch out of the bullpen. Snitker did offer that there was a chance that Smyly could start a game during next week’s homestand.
“He’ll pitch out of the bullpen the next couple days,” Snitker said when asked about Smyly’s role. “There’s probably a situation that may open up next week that we’d slide him in.”
Smyly made his first relief appearance of the season in Saturday’s loss tossing a perfect eighth.
The Braves will wrap up their seven-game road trip Sunday and will then have Labor Day off before opening a nine-game home stand against the Nationals, Marlins and Rockies.
Braves News
- Ian Anderson struggled and the Braves were unable to recover in a 7-6 loss to the Rockies Saturday night. Atlanta maintains a two game lead in the division thanks to a Phillies’ loss in Miami. However, the Mets pull to within 3.5 games after splitting a doubleheader against the Nationals.
- The Rockies placed left-handed Austin Gomber and outfielder Connor Joe on the 10-day injured list prior to Saturday’s game. Gomber was scheduled to start Sunday’s series finale against Atlanta but will miss the remainder of the season with a stress fracture in his lower back. Double-A right-hander Ryan Feltner will make his Major League debut Sunday in Gomber’s place.
MLB News
- Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom is about 10 days from transitioning to throwing bullpen sessions according to a report by MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. With that timeline, the best-case scenario would be a late September return. The Braves will host the Mets in the final series of the regular season.
- The Mets also placed outfielder Brandon Nimmo on the 10-day inured list with a right hamstring strain prior to the second game of their doubleheader. New York did get back catcher James McCann who had been sidelined due to back spasms.
- Marlins third baseman Brian Anderson will seek additional opinions on his injured left shoulder. Anderson is back on the injured list due to a left shoulder subluxation which is the same injury he dealt with during an earlier stint on the 60-day IL.
- Indians starter Shane Bieber was scheduled to throw a simulated game on Saturday. Bieber has been out since June 14 due to a shoulder strain.
- Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis had been scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Friday but that was shelved after he experienced soreness in his right knee.
- The Giants placed outfielder Alex Dickerson on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain. The team recalled Mauricio Dubon to take Dickerson’s spot on the active roster.