Feb. 19, 2021 –
BY KEVIN MCALPIN
680 THE FAN, ATLANTA – Friday marked the Braves second day of official workouts with pitchers and catchers in North Port. With the additions of veterans Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly, there’s certainly a lot of confidence in what this Atlanta rotation could be capable of in 2021. As of now, it’s still uncertain whether Mike Soroka will start on the Opening Day roster, or perhaps, be slightly behind. However, with a rotation of Soroka, Fried, Morton, Anderson and Smyly, the optimism is certainly warranted.

Take into consideration the fact that Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson also logged some big innings for the club last season, and there’s some serious depth and the ability at times to allow the manager to utilize a sixth man into the rotation if they felt the need. Also keep in mind that 2020 was a very odd year from starting pitchers standpoints. Guys that are used to throwing 160-180 innings likely saw about a third of that workload. So, at times this season, it may be necessary for teams to give a starter a little breather so they aren’t overworked or risking injury. As Max Fried said on Friday morning “that’s a good problem to have” when it comes to the added depth in Snit’s staff.

For the next few days, it will be more of the same for these guys. Side sessions, covering bunts and first base drills and getting themselves into game shape. Next week, the rest of the team will report and the Braves will open Grapefruit League play a week from Sunday. As for the main objective between now and Opening Day, it remains the same goal as always, to get to April 1st with a healthy club.

Kevin McAlpin has covered the Braves since 2012 for @680TheFan and the @BravesRadioNet.