MIAMI -- As Mike Foltynewicz's bruised left calf has steadily improved and allowed him to regain normal mobility, he has positioned himself to possibly make two more starts for the Braves before the end of this season.
If Foltynewicz does not incur any setbacks and gets through a bullpen session on Sunday morning in pain-free fashion, he will likely start Tuesday's series opener against the Phillies. This would align him to also start the final game in Turner Field's history when the Braves host the Tigers in their season finale on Oct. 2.
"I'm hoping he can pitch just for his peace of mind and for us," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "I think it would be good for him to get back out there. Obviously, if things don't work out, then they don't. But I think everything is progressing well."
Foltynewicz has been sidelined since Sept. 12, when he was struck squarely in the left calf by a line drive hit by Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna. The Braves' right-hander used crutches for a few days, but over the past few days, he has been able to play catch, complete a bullpen session and run without any significant limitations.
"I didn't really worry too much about the calf [during the bullpen session]," Foltynewicz said. "I went through the normal motions and I felt pretty good. Now, I'm just focused on keeping my pitches down and getting my pitches back to where they were and get going. Hopefully, I'll get a couple more starts."
Though Foltynewicz has experienced some expected ups and downs in 2016, posting a 4.41 ERA over 21 starts, it has been a special year for him, primarily because at this time in '15, he was recovering from a potentially fatal blood clot that forced him to miss the final month of the season and spend most of last winter attempting to regain his strength.
Foltynewicz's motivation to make at least one more start this season is rooted in the fact that he does not want to remain dormant over the regular season's final few weeks for a second straight year. At the same time, Foltynewicz wants to enhance the confidence he has gained while allowing three earned runs or fewer in 13 of his 21 starts, including three of the past four.
"I really want to get two more starts in because I was on a nice little roll there," Foltynewicz said. "I just kind of want to finish the season strong."