When the Atlanta Braves host the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night it will be Touki Toussaint taking the mound and not the left-handed veteran Drew Smyly, who signed an $11 million, one-year contract with the Braves but has been underwhelming since his arrival in Atlanta.
Smyly’s last start for the Braves came on August 30 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In that start Smyly gave up four home runs and a total of five earned runs in just under 5 innings pitched. Since then Smyly has had one appearance out of the bullpen, which came this past Saturday against the Rockies. Smyly was sharp in that 1 inning striking out one batter while only needing nine pitches to get through the inning.
With Smyly’s underwhelming performance lingering throughout the season the Braves have decided to take a longer look at Toussaint who is coming off a rough start himself.
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Last Thursday in Colorado he went 3 innings giving up four earned runs and six hits.
If the Braves truly are giving Toussaint a shot to be a part of this rotation the rest of season, then tonight’s game is big for his chances moving forward.
Earlier today Andy and Randy talked about what Smyly’s role could be with the Braves the rest of this season. Take a listen…
