Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos joined Dukes & Bell and talked about why the Braves didn’t do a major trade at the deadline, could we see Mike Foltynewicz again in a Braves uniform, and when will Cole Hamels make his debut?
Anthopoulos talked about when we could see Hamels make his Braves debut.
“I wish I had a date for you, I can just tell you what I know,” Anthopoulos said. “He just threw his second bullpen on Sunday, felt really good, so he’s progressing. He’s going to face live hitters here very soon. And then the question becomes do we continue to build him up at the alternate site or do we just activate him, whether that’s an inning, two innings, three innings and just try to build him up at the big lead level.
“Ultimately we’re going to have to make a decision with the roster and how things are set up with our ability to be able competitive and win games. So, we haven’t gotten there yet. He’s absolutely moving in the right direction. The fact that he’s now off the mound multiple times he’s recovering very well, that’s the key. So we’re optimistic and excited about him.”
Hamels, 36, made 27 starts for the Chicago Cubs last year and compiled a 3.81 ERA and a 7-7 record. The Braves are short in the rotation with Mike Foltynewicz being sent down and Mike Soroka out for the season with an Achilles injury.
Tommy Milone had a rough first outing with the Braves, but Anthopoulos believes he'll settle in. Adding Hamles would be a huge win for the Braves.
