Atlanta Braves star performers first week of MLB 2018
By Dustin Pumm
An Atlanta Braves ace is in the making
Foltynewicz is using these three pitches to stay ahead of hitters and alter their timing and eye level. It might be said that Foltnewicz is metamorphosing from a thrower to a pitcher. The results back the approach so far.
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Foltynewicz is currently striking out more than a third of the batters he’s facing (34.1%) while walking only 6.8% of batters. His increased slider and changeup usage is also generating more ground balls at nearly 46%. For comparison, his career ground ball rate is 38%. That’s a pretty huge uptick, so now it just needs to be repeated.
The essential element to Folty’s success will be between the ears. Foltynewicz has lost his composure at times during games. Such occurrences as being bloop hit to death, getting squeezed at the plate, or surrendering a home run have tilted Folty previously.
In his game against the Phillies, Rhys Hoskins took Folty deep, but he settled in the strike out the next two batters. A continuation of that inning going forward will be huge.
Next: Is it right for the Braves to start Ronald Acuna in AAA?
As the season unfolds for the Atlanta Braves, I will continue to identify positive developments and prod at the underlying stats. We’re in for an exciting year and it will be over before you know it. For now, enjoy the ride.