NORTH PORT, Fla. — Kyle Wright faced batters in a controlled pitching session Friday on the back fields of the Braves’ spring-training facility. The right-hander remains optimistic he’ll be ready early in the regular season. Wright, 27, has been delayed this spring after receiving a cortisone injection in his right shoulder in January.
Wright likely will have another outing on the back fields in the coming week before finally pitching in a spring-training game. He and pitching coach Rick Kranitz have been mapping out a plan. “I just want to make sure I’m good and ready to go before we hop into games,” Wright said.
If the process goes accordingly, Wright would have time for two exhibition starts plus an additional outing against minor leaguers before joining the Braves for their second regular-season series, in St. Louis, where he could make his first start that counts.
“I was competing (Friday), but it was my first outing against hitters, and I was just trying to knock some of the rust off and feel like I’m back competing a bit,” Wright said. “My second inning was better than my first. I thought I did a much better job pitching and trusting my mechanics. The first inning, I was a little rough. That was the first time I used the pitch clock, too. I’ve always worked fast, but now that you know there’s a clock there, internally, I sped up a little bit. I think it was good to work that out as well.”
Wright threw around 33 pitches Friday, he said, and will increase that to 45 in his next outing as he continues building himself up.
A Vanderbilt product, Wright is coming off his finest major-league season. He had a 3.19 ERA and won an MLB-leading 21 games, finally realizing the potential that made him the No. 5 overall pick in 2017. He was a reliable innings eater, too, covering 180-1/3 frames in his 30 starts. The Braves are banking on Wright being a stable presence in their rotation.
“It’s pretty special what he did,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He kind of gets left out – I mean, 21 wins and nobody ever really talks about him. That’s pretty good. I love where he’s come in his development and maturity, the whole thing.”
Luplow to make debut Monday
Outfielder Jordan Luplow, who’s been sidelined by right-oblique soreness, will be the Braves’ designated hitter Monday against the Pirates. If he comes out of the day feeling healthy, he’ll log outfield reps soon, too. The Braves signed Luplow to a one-year deal in December to bolster their organizational outfield depth. Luplow, 29, has one option remaining.
Arcia’s versatility will be valuable
Shortstop Orlando Arcia, who’s competing with Vaughn Grissom for the starting job, was expected to play during Saturday’s game against the Tigers after getting two days off. He’s 1-for-14 to start the spring.
“He’s going to be our extra guy – he’s going to have to play third, shortstop, second – if he’s not the (starting) shortstop,” Snitker said. “Even if he is, he’s going to have to move around the diamond a little bit.”
Arcia has hit .237 with a .706 OPS in parts of two seasons with the Braves.
Shewmake having nice spring
Prospect Braden Shewmake started at shortstop Saturday. He’s off to a good start, going 5-for-15 (.333) in his first eight games. Shewmake, 25, could make his major-league debut sometime later this season.
“He’s maturing, getting experience and all,” Snitker said earlier this week. “He’s improving. The experience, playing all the minor-league games and getting the at-bats. At some point, we’re going to need him, too.”
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