Dallas Keuchel Expected to Make Braves Debut Friday Against Washington
By Parker White
After just two minor league starts, veteran left-handed starter Dallas Keuchel is on the verge of making his 2019 debut with the Atlanta Braves.
According to David O'Brien of "The Athletic," the plan is for the Braves to have Keuchel start on Friday against the Washington Nationals.
#Braves are planning to start Keuchel in Friday’s series opener at Washington in his ATL and season debut. Not official yet but that’s plan.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 17, 2019
Manager Brian Snitker and the Braves haven't made it official, but the expectation is that Keuchel will start in the series opener on the road against Washington.
Snit says he hopes Keuchel will make his debut Friday at Nationals Park. But for now, the club is listing TBA, which I assume stands for The Big Acquisition.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 17, 2019
The former AL Cy Young Award winner tallied seven innings in each of his minor league assignments, giving up a total of three runs while racking up 13 strikeouts. Keuchel was also able to throw over 100 pitches in his most recent outing on Saturday.
Newcomb goes back to bullpen with Keuchel arrival. Newcomb could be available as soon as Wednesday.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 17, 2019
If Keuchel is coming up, expect left-hander Sean Newcomb to return to the bullpen. Newcomb was hit in the head with a line drive in his start on Saturday, but he's doing fine and could be available in the coming days.