Daniel Winkler: Boon for Braves’ Bullpen?

Daniel Winkler spent almost all of 2015 on the shelf; however, now fully healthy, he looks to help a resurgent Atlanta Braves bullpen in 2016.

After an impressive career at the University of Central Florida, the Colorado Rockies spent their 20th round pick of the 2011 MLB Draft on Daniel Winkler, a tall, hard-throwing righty.

Daniel Winkler spent the first four seasons of his professional career with the Colorado Rockies, from 2011-2014. However, in June of 2014, Daniel Winkler underwent Tommy John surgery, leading to the Colorado Rockies leaving him unprotected entering the 2014 Rule-5 Draft.

The Atlanta Braves jumped on the opportunity to snag up Daniel Winkler in the Rule-5 Draft, but due to his recent elbow surgery, he missed almost the entirety of the 2015 season. Although he was expected to miss the 2015 season, Daniel Winkler managed to make two appearances, but his results were unfavorable.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

In 1.2 innings pitched, Daniel Winkler owned a 10.80 ERA, 18.13 FIP, and 1.80 WHIP. These stats should not hold much weight, because the end result stemmed from two earned runs in his short stint in the MLB.

Daniel Winkler made significant strides in 2015, from overcoming elbow surgery to making his MLB debut. Now, with his feet wet, Daniel Winkler looks to build off his 2015 season and carry some momentum into the new season.

Entering Spring Training, Daniel Winkler was an under-the-radar option for the Atlanta Braves in the bullpen. Moreover, all Daniel Winkler did in Spring Training was impress Braves management.

Daniel Winkler was tied for second on the Braves for most appearances in Spring Training with nine. Also, Daniel Winkler accumulated a 2.45 ERA across 11 innings pitched. Winkler’s ability to strike out hitters is what sparked the Braves’ interest, and he carried that ability with him into Spring Training, striking out 17 batters in just 11 innings.

Daniel Winkler impressed the Braves enough to make the 2016 Opening Day roster, and he should be able to help build a strong core in the bullpen.

Daniel Winkler, John Gant, and Jose Ramirez look to headline a youth movement in the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen, and they should provide strong complements to veterans Arodys Vizcaino and Jason Grilli.

More from MLB Prospects

• Is Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Ivan Melendez the next Pete Alonso?
• Los Angeles Dodgers prospect talk: Catching up with Hunter Feduccia
• MLBPA secures major victory for Minor League Baseball players
• Phillies: Breaking down the prospects fighting for an Opening Day spot
• What the XFL can learn from minor league baseball

Last season, Vizcaino provided a huge boost to the back-end of the Braves’ bullpen after entering the closer role. Despite entering the season as a setup man for Grilli, Vizcaino’s performances might dictate who the closer will be for the majority of the season.

If Vizcaino and Grilli were to suffer injuries or inconsistencies, Daniel Winkler might be in line to close games down the road. Although Winkler started his professional career as a starting pitcher, the Atlanta Braves may take a more cautious approach to conserve his electric arm, similar to how the Baltimore Orioles are handling Dylan Bundy.

As a high strikeout guy, Daniel Winkler’s value best lies in the bullpen, and he could be one of the most dominant relievers in a couple seasons.

Daniel Winkler adds to the young core of relievers in the Braves’ bullpen. Despite finishing the 2015 season as one of the worst bullpens in baseball, the Atlanta Braves are improving each and every year, and it is only a matter of time before they become a competitive ball club.

Strong bullpens are becoming more and more valuable in recent years, and the Braves look to improve off a horrid 2015 season. If the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen reaches their potential, 2017 looks optimistic.

Next: Stephenson, Stripling to make first career MLB start

The Atlanta Braves are nearing the end of their rebuilding process, but 2016 might be another long season for fans. Trust the process. The Atlanta Braves are in for a decade of dominance, and Daniel Winkler looks to be a key part of it, especially after striking out the side in his first appearance of 2016.