Braves option Foltynewicz to Triple-A

DENVER -- The Braves brought Mike Foltynewicz back to the Major League level to provide some bullpen depth this week. But when the All-Star break concludes, Foltynewicz will be back in Triple-A Gwinnett's starting rotation.

The Braves optioned Foltynewicz to Gwinnett after Sunday's 11-3 loss to the Rockies. They want the hard-throwing hurler to spend the next couple of weeks focusing on his power pitches and shying away from a slider that has been inconsistent.

Foltynewicz posted a 5.19 ERA in the nine starts he made for Atlanta before being optioned to Gwinnett on June 18. Though the talented hurler is blessed with a strong arm that produced a couple of 99-mph fastballs during a relief appearance this week, his command and inconsistent feel for his secondary pitches has produced some concern about his ability to produce consistent success as a starter.

Overall, Foltynewicz is 3-2 with a 5.27 ERA in 12 appearances for the Braves this season.

The Braves are confident that Foltynewicz has the stuff necessary to serve as a potential closer or primary setup man. But before placing him in one of those roles over a long-term basis, they want to give him more opportunities to prove he can be a successful Major League starter with his power repertoire.