Dallas Keuchel Throws 7 Sensational Innings in First Start of 2019 With Braves' Class-A Affiliate
By Sean Facey
All those predictions that Dallas Keuchel would be rusty upon returning to baseball can be put to rest. The Atlanta Braves' mid-season signing tossed seven sensational innings for Class-A Rome in his first start of the 2019 season.
#Braves' Keuchel has pitched 7 innings in 77 pitches at low-A Rome, allowed 1 hit, 1 walk with 9 strikeouts. Apparently those sim games were legit.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 11, 2019
He allowed just 1 hit and 1 walk on just 77 pitches, striking out nine batters in the process.
Sure, this may be a former Cy Young winner squaring off against young, flawed hitters, but that doesn't diminish how reassuring this start was for the Braves.
He was both efficient and effective, something that wasn't exactly expected of him considering he had yet to throw in a live game in 2019.
7️⃣ IP
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) June 11, 2019
1️⃣ H
0️⃣ R
1️⃣ BB
9️⃣ SO
Dallas Keuchel's first outing in @Braves system was very, very ?.#Braves | #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/PexCz1iGKd
It's especially reassuring considering the Braves have struggled to find consistent pitching in the starting rotation. He could provide relief for the struggling Mike Foltynewicz, who hasn't been able to replicate his success from 2018, in the near future.
"Up and down seven times was pretty good ... felt great."
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) June 11, 2019
-- Dallas Keuchel breaks down his seven scoreless innings for @TheRomeBraves, and the next steps in his path to @Braves.#Braves | #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/8oWjdjDCcO
It may only be one start, but it's good to see Keuchel getting off on the right foot. If he keeps pitching like this, the Braves will have the rotation help the need a lot faster than most would have expected.