Braves: Kyle Wright submits emphatic bid for fifth starter role
By John Buhler
Kyle Wright’s latest spring training start could help him get the No. 5 spot in the Atlanta Braves’ deep rotation.
The fifth starter spot in the Atlanta Braves‘ rotation is up for grabs. After what we saw out of right-hander Kyle Wright vs. the Minnesota Twins in his second spring training start, he could be the early frontrunner for that coveted fifth starter role in Atlanta.
After giving up three earned runs in 1.1 innings in his spring training debut vs. the Tampa Bay Rays on Feb. 28, Wright went out and pitched three scoreless innings vs. the Twins. He allowed one hit while striking out two, as the Braves shut out the Twins 4-0 on Friday afternoon. I know, it does not seem like much, but it may be the type of performance to get Wright that precious No. 5 spot.
What will it take for Kyle Wright to be the Atlanta Braves’ No. 5 starter?
Before spring training began, four starting rotation spots were already locked up. Ian Anderson and Max Fried will take two of them based on what they did for the Braves last season. Veteran right-hander Charlie Morton gets a third after coming over from the Tampa Bay Rays. You can say the same rule applies to left-hander Drew Smyly after coming over from the San Francisco Giants.
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As for the No. 5 spot, that depends on if usual ace Mike Soroka is good to go for Opening Day after rupturing his Achilles’ tendon early last season. Fortunately for Wright and the Braves’ staff, they do not need to rush him back. Wright’s most likely challenger for that No. 5 spot is right-hander Bryse Wilson, who could still very well make the team as a long-inning relief pitcher anyway.
If Wright continues to pitch like this, it will lead to a tough decision for Brian Snitker to make.