Atlanta Braves follow five-man rotation again as Ben Sheets put on disabled list - MLB Update
The Atlanta Braves revert to a five-man rotation again after using six starters in the last couple of weeks until Ben Sheets got injured.
The idea of six-man rotation was brought by the manager Fredi Gonzalez in order to lighten the burden on the players which they carry under the hectic schedule of the matches. Just in order to avoid injuries and to keep the pitchers throwing without the
burden of fatigue on the body, Gonzalez planned this.
However with the five-man rotation applied again, it will be interesting to note as to what extent the performance has been affected. While in the last couple of weeks the Braves saw their starters putting up splendid performances, for how long these can
continue remains to be seen.
Watching their hurlers throw complete games and make batters toil for connecting hits was uncharacteristic of the Braves' rotation.
Even at the start of the season when the hitters led them to stunning victories and hence to a reasonable position on the table Atlanta did not see their hurlers throw complete scoreless games except for a few occasions.
Therefore the recent upsurge by their pitchers can be linked with the six-man rotation. Alternatively it can be derived that their starters have really improved now. The newly entered hurlers on their rotation like Kris Medlen and Ben Sheets are doing a
great job for the team.
Medlen finished eight innings scoreless in the last game which suggests that the Braves not only possess quality batters their hurlers are also playing an important role in the team’s victories now.
Meanwhile, Gonzalez will be managing the five-man rotation and will be hoping that the results are not affected. He will be making sure that the likes of Tim Hudson and Tommy Hanson keep performing as per the requirements of the team. As the season progresses
more pressure cooker games can be expected and therefore the way pitchers throw a series of innings from the start will be of immense importance.
The Braves will be looking forward to an immediate return to the season by Ben Sheets. A comeback by him will widen the options for the manager in the rotation.
It will be interesting to see as to what happens with the current winning momentum of the team as they entertain a five man rotation.
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