After impressing in his Spring Training debut, Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Drew Smyly had a rough go in his second start on Tuesday, allowing five runs and eight hits in 2 innings.
The Braves added Smyly and Charlie Morton early on in MLB's free-agency period and it's been penciled in that they both would be part of the Opening Day rotation. Some people are wondering if Tuesday's outing has put some questions on that already.
It's viewed that Bryse Wilson, Kyle Wright, and Huascar Ynoa are all competing to be the fifth starter until Mike Soroka is ready to return. But could there actually be two openings in the rotation?
92.9 The Game Atlanta Braves Insider Joe Patrick feels that despite struggling to get six outs Smyly's job is still safe.
"With a new signing, a guy like him gets a little more leeway. If Smyly continues to go out there and give up runs and look sloppy, absolutely, no guarantees. But he probably has a little bit longer leash then some of these other guys (Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson)," says Patrick. "He was going out yesterday to work on something specifically to help get himself prepared overall. There is going to be competition, but that's good at this point in the season."
To hear all of Joe Patrick's comments on the Braves, click here.