Atlanta Braves scratch starter Alex Wood with forearm strain
By Ed Carroll
The Atlanta Braves have had a September to forget in 2014 following a complete collapse from a playoff spot into a losing record, extended injuries for key players, and the firing of GM Frank Wren, but apparently the Braves aren’t going to take a chance and add Alex Wood to the list of woe. Wood has been scratched from the Braves’ regular-season finale with what is being labeled a left forearm strain.
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The 23-year old Wood has had a nice season, with the lefty posting a 2.78 ERA in 35 games, with 24 starts in those games. But the Braves have been eliminated from playoff contention, and see little reason to risk further damage to Wood. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said the team would likely have scratched Wood even if there was a chance at the playoffs, so it’s fair to say this is slightly concerning for Braves fans.
Wood threw 171.2 innings this season, his first full season in the Majors, and struck out 170. Wood also made two starts at Triple-A this season, and is approximately 30 innings above his previous career high. Hopefully the rest and the offseason will give Wood a chance to recover without the need for further surgery or rehab, but it’s something for the Braves to keep an eye on as the offseason will start soon. Gonzalez said the Braves would use a bullpen pitcher for the start today.
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