Drew Smyly, who would climb the hill against the Cubs for Atlanta on Friday afternoon, was instead placed on the list with 10 days injured with inflammation of the left forearm.
In light of Smyly’s injury, the Braves recalled Kyle Wright and Johan Camargo from the alternate training venue. Wright will make the start on Friday in place of Smyly. Camargo will replace left-wing Tucker Davidson, who was selected to the alternative training site after Thursday’s win against the Marlins.
Braves manager Brian Snitker is optimistic that Smyly will only miss one start.
“If we got to the end of the year, we’ll probably just keep going,” said Snitker. ‘This is just being a little bit careful. There was plenty out there that you know there was a bit of concern when he pitched, but we have a feeling that missing a start will set things right and make him right again. “
Smyly has a 5.73 ERA to two starts this year, after giving up nine runs (seven earned) with 11 strikeouts and one walk in 11 innings.
The timing of Wright’s call-up is convenient as he was on schedule to pitch at the alternate training venue on Friday. In 2020, the right-handed went 2-4 with a 5.21 ERA in eight starts.
“They’ve got plenty of guys down there who played real games, so he lay stretched out, he was good. It was his turn, ”said Snitker.
During Spring Training, Snitker often discussed how the Braves would need the help of every player in their squad. Fortunately for Atlanta, with two days off next week (Monday and Thursday), Smyly and even Max Fried – who is in the IL with proper hamstring tension – can rest and come back without missing an extra start.
“With both Max and Drew I think with the coming days off, [it] allows us to maneuver things and hopefully they both miss a start, ”said Snitker. “It may be a good thing that we are not being stretched too far.”
Smyly, who signed a one-year contract last off season, has faced several injuries throughout his career. Most notably, he missed the full 2017 and 2018 seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and has won 150 innings pitched just twice since his debut in 2012.