Sean Newcomb may need a better effort in his second start to ensure his spot in the pitching-rich Atlanta rotation.
The left-hander will be opposed by Miami southpaw Caleb Smith (0-0, 3.60) in the rubber game of a three-game series on Sunday in Atlanta.
The Marlins snapped a two-game losing streak to Atlanta on Saturday, beating the Braves 4-2. Miami also ended the Braves’ nine-game winning streak at SunTrust Park, as well as their own four-game losing streak.
Newcomb made his first start in Atlanta’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs. He received no decision after being lifted after four scoreless innings. Newcomb danced around trouble throughout the appearance, allowing six hits and four walks. It was a continuation of his control issues that lingered through spring training.
The Atlanta starting rotation is about to get more cramped. Mike Foltynewicz, an All-Star last season, made his first rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday and worked five scoreless innings. He will make one more rehab start before he returns but appears on the cusp of being ready after working through some shoulder soreness.
“Folty was bouncing around the clubhouse,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. “I think he’s really encouraged about where he’s at, how he feels and how the ball is coming out. The reports were really good.”
In addition to the return of Foltynewicz, the Braves have liked the progress shown by rookie Kyle Wright, who threw six strong innings on Saturday, and lefty Max Friend, who threw six scoreless innings against the Cubs.
If Newcomb is pitching to prove he belongs in the rotation, there couldn’t be a better opponent. Newcomb dominated the Marlins last season, going 4-0 with a 0.75 ERA in four starts. He struck out 23 and walked 13 in 24 innings against Miami. In six career starts against the Marlins, he’s 4-1 with a 2.06 ERA.
Smith is trying to nail down his spot in the Miami rotation. He was 5-6 with a 4.19 ERA after 16 starts last season before he suffered a strained lat on June 24 and opted for season-ending shoulder surgery. It was seven months before Smith was able to throw off the mound, but his velocity had returned by the time spring training rolled around.
Smith pitched five innings in his first start of the season against the Mets. He allowed two runs on four hits and struck out eight but was not involved in the decision.
Smith is 0-1 in his career against the Braves. He lost a year ago in a start that saw him pitch 5 1/3 innings and allow two runs with five strikeouts.
“You hope he can take the experience of being in the big leagues last year and the successes that he had to be able to build off that,” manager Don Mattingly said.
Atlanta will likely make a roster move on Sunday for a backup catcher. Veteran Brian McCann suffered a right hamstring injury on Saturday when sliding into third base. Tyler Flowers, who shares the position, was hit by a pitch on his right wrist and may not be able to play. Flowers stayed in the game on Saturday after being plunked but did not swing in his only at-bat, where he was charged with a wild pitch and was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the ninth.
Utility infielder Charlie Culberson is listed as the team’s emergency catcher and warmed up pitcher in the inning after Flowers was hurt.