Dallas Keuchel to Make 2019 Debut With Braves' Triple-A Affiliate Saturday Night
By Parker White
The Atlanta Braves made it official Friday night, signing veteran left-handed starter Dallas Keuchel to a one-year deal. He took his physical to make things official, and now he's slated to pitch for the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers tonight, his first action of 2019.
Have you heard?
— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) June 8, 2019
Dallas Keuchel is expected to pitch at Coolray Field TONIGHT!
?️ https://t.co/B7TuSleEGf pic.twitter.com/rZj2KWWVnE
Keuchel isn't expected to stay in Triple-A that long. The former AL Cy Young winner will likely make only two starts there before being recalled no later than June 18, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Keuchel agreed in contract with #Braves to be optioned on June 8 and be recalled no later than June 18. If injured while in minors, he will be recalled and placed on major league Injured List.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 8, 2019
That seems early for a pitcher who hasn't been on a big league mound in eight months, but Keuchel has been preparing himself while he remain unsigned, throwing throwing simulated games once every fifth day just like he would during spring training and the regular season.
During his seven seasons in Houston, Kuechel was a model of consistency and owned a 76-63 record with a 3.66 ERA over 192 career games (183 starts). He'll figure to be a key piece for the Braves in their race to defend their NL East title.