re: The ATL Thread - 7/27 - Ronald Back

quote:

---

Schwellenbach is the only one of them who is actually a stud and he hasn't pitched yet this season. He was on a podcast recently and casually let it slip that there was a nerve issue in his elbow along with the fracture last year. He also said he never felt right when he was throwing this offseason. I don't believe this was ever publicly disclosed, and it may explain why his recovery has taken so long. I have a bad feeling about it.

I'm sure we'll see Smith-Shawver relatively soon, but he hasn't gone more than 4 innings in any of his rehab starts, IIRC.

I was pounding the table for them to trade Waldrep this past winter because I thought that would be his peak value. He wasn't good in the games he pitched in this season and now he is probably headed for Tommy John.

Strider is done. Sad to see, but he is never going to be what he was in 2022.

---

This is the first I've heard of any nerve issue with Schwellenbach, but he had those "loose bodies" removed in spring training, like Waldrep. I've heard that he's supposed to be starting bullpen sessions soon, as he's been doing off the mound throwing for a while.

Smith-Shawver has been progressing well. He has naturally been on pitch count limits, which is why he isn't going deep into games yet, but the velocity, stuff, and results have all been good. He just needs to reign in the command of his off-speed pitches from what has been reported, which isn't surprising considering he's only made a few rehab starts after missing a year. He should be back soon. He's got the potential to be a frontline starter in time, but even where he is right now in his development, I think he can help make the back end of our rotation better, considering how much the current guys are struggling. I'd like to see him moved into Holmes' spot so that Grant can go back to the 'pen where he fits best.

Marlins up early 1-0 over philthy - Nola struggling early to throw strikes -

the biggest lie in MLB has to be Aaron Nola weighing 200 lbs - dude has ballooned into CC Sebathia territory in the past year -