Braves name their Monday starter versus Astros

Darius Vines brings a little more upside to the table compared to Winans in that he could actually potentially be a member of the Braves rotation in the future. He’s a top 15 prospect that made his MLB debut last season and pitched fairly well, recording a 3.98 ERA over 20.1 innings. Prior to that, he posted a 2.37 ERA in Gwinnett over 34.1 innings after beginning the year with an injury.

Vines has a 3.75 ERA to his name after two starts this year for the Stripers, and there are signs of a little more swing-and-miss in his game, which is obviously exciting. However, he’ll have a tall task against an Astros lineup that has the potential to crush anybody in front of them. Surprisingly, Houston is currently in last place in the AL West, sitting with a 6-11 record, but it’s far too soon to make any sweeping judgements. This team can rake.

Similarly to last year, the back of the Braves rotation is a revolving door with Spencer Strider done for the year. I’ve been waiting for Bryce Elder to get another crack, but regardless, the Braves are hoping one of these younger arms can stabilize what’s been a struggling group to this point in the season.