Hall of Fame Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz joined Dukes & Bell Thursday to talk about the team’s hot streak, Dallas Keuchel joining the team and if the team could limit certain pitchers innings?
Smoltz said he can see the Braves limiting Soroka and Fried’s innings.
“It’s part of the reason why Keuchel is such a huge sign,” Smoltz said. “Based on the past there is no way you let them go past 150-160 innings and that is just the way the game is, when you have these big jumps you start pushing these guys to empty. You look at when the Mets made their run against the Royals every one of those guys were on empty, and every one of those guys got hurt because the load management was so severe at that point to teach your body.”
When asked about Dallas Keuchel joining the team on Friday.
“I think he’s going to be fine,” Smoltz said. “I try to put myself in his situation. He’s a veteran, he’s not going to forget how to pitch, it’s just getting his sinker going. The Braves got a great signing that’s going to help them down the stretch. I didn’t think they would be here at this point, to be honest. If they can ride this hot stretch and now they’re facing a hot Nationals team. Going into this series the most important game is game one, if you steal the first game everything else is icing.”
