Atlanta Braves pitcher Manny Banuelos is aiming for a rotation spot for the team this season, and if he makes the roster, he could debut on April 12. Meanwhile, Andrew McKirahan may not pitch for the Braves this season after injuring his elbow in his first spring training appearance.
Banuelos is coming into the season after having surgery last year on his elbow. He made his major league debut in 2015 after being traded to the Braves from the Yankees. The Braves have been "encouraged" by how Banuelos has progressed following arthroscopic elbow surgery, and he has the chance to make the rotation out of spring training.
If he makes the rotation, the Braves would not need him to pitch until a couple weeks into the season. The Braves have multiple off days over the first week, meaning the fifth starter in the rotation will not get the chance to pitch until around April 12. Banuelos previously missed all of 2013 after having Tommy John surgery, and his innings were limited with the Yankees in 2014.
Banuelos pitched well for the Braves before going down with an elbow injury, and manager Fredi Gonzalez said that Banuelos has looked good in throwing sessions this spring. Banuelos is not scheduled to make a start in the Grapefruit League, but could get work in team training sessions for the Braves.
The Braves currently have rotation spots for Julio Teheran and Bud Norris, and Banuelos could be an option for one of the back-end spots. Banuelos appeared in seven games for the Braves last season, posting a 5.12 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched.
Banuelos is hoping to pitch for the Braves soon, but pitcher Andrew McKirahan, meanwhile, may not pitch again for an extended period. The Braves announced that McKirahan could miss the entire 2016 season after injuring his elbow in spring training. General manager John Coppolella said that McKirahan "likely" will need Tommy John surgery on his elbow.
"I really feel for the kid," Coppolella said. "This will be his second (Tommy John surgery). We thought he had a real shot to make the club this spring."
McKirahan went 1-0 with a 5.93 ERA for the Braves last season in 27 games after being suspended for 80 games for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. With McKirahan out, the Braves have Alex Torres and Evan Rutcky battling for bullpen spots along with Matt Marksberry and Ian Krol.
