With news that Jason Heyward is heading to the disabled list with a broken jaw, the Braves have chosen to activate another starting pitcher instead of sending for reinforcements in the outfield.
OF Jason Heyward has been placed on the 15-day disabled list (fractured jaw) and LHP Paul Maholm has been activated from the DL.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 22, 2013
As referenced by the team’s official Twitter page above, the Braves have activated starting pitcher Paul Maholm, and he has been set as the probable starter for Thursday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals (8:15 PM ET). The 31-year-old left-hander is no stranger to the Atlanta rotation, as he made 20 starts before hitting the DL with a wrist injury.
In order to make room in the rotation for Maholm, the Braves have “skipped” their #1 starter in Mike Minor, as they’ve elected to give the young left-hander some additional time off. Maholm is capable of filling in admirably, however, as he has nearly 1,500 MLB innings under his belt, and has a respectable 3.83 xFIP on the season.
The Braves hold a more than comfortable 15 game in the NL East as play opens on Thursday, and this strategy of additional rest for Minor illustrates their comfort level. However, they have an embarrassment of riches in terms of pitching depth, and this is the perfect way to exercise it.