We are a week into the 2024 MLB season as well as AAA. For the most part, it’s been all good for the Braves at the top level, who sit in first place, and there are also a lot of promising things taking place in Gwinnett. Here are the most notable performers through one week that could be in Atlanta sooner rather than later.
Dylan Dodd
Dodd actually began last year on the Braves Opening Day roster, but it didn’t last long. He’s currently much further down the line this year, but there’s some upside to be excited about. In his first outing of the year for the Stripers, he tossed five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. Dodd did have five walks, which is a concern, considering that was one of his primary issues when he was in Atlanta a year ago.
Bryce Elder
Elder turned in the best performance of any starting pitcher in the organization so far, going 6.1 innings without allowing a run. More impressively, he struck out seven and allowed just two baserunners without a walk. Right now, Elder looks next in line for a start in the majors if injury arises or they move Reynaldo Lopez back to the bullpen.
Huascar Ynoa
In his first start since August of 2022, Ynoa made a statement by going four innings without allowing a run on 45 pitches. His velocity was down to the low-90s, a far cry from where it was pre-injury, but some of that is to be expected after a major injury with so much time off. There’s still a long way to go, but he could potentially be a weapon for the Braves down the road.
Allan Winans
Winans isn’t going to blow anyone away with his stuff, but he was solid when asked to pitch for the Braves last year, and he started the season on a high note, giving up two runs over 5.2 innings. He’s another quality option to have in case of emergency.
Ken Giles
The Braves pitching depth goes much further than just the rotation. Ken Giles was once a star closer in the league. He’s suffered multiple injuries since then but looked impressive during Spring Training and had a nice first outing in Gwinnett, picking up the save in a scoreless frame with one strikeout.
Daysbel Hernandez
Another reliever that could be critical for the Braves later in the year, Hernandez has filthy stuff and has already tossed 2.2 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. Everyone in Atlanta’s bullpen should be on their toes because Giles, Hernandez, and others are eagerly awaiting their opportunity.
Jackson Stephens
Stephens is back with the Braves organization after recently re-signing with the team, and he’s already completed two shutout innings with three strikeouts. He’s another major-league ready option that can be ready at a moment’s notice.
J.P. Martinez
While the pitching in Gwinnett may be better than some other major-league teams, the lineup leaves much to be desired. The most notable name to keep an eye on is outfielder J.P. Martinez, who has begun the season on fire, hitting .421 with a couple of home runs in five games. If the Braves need another outfielder at any point, Martinez is next in line.
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