The Braves’ Kolby Allard was thrown into a tough spot. Max Fried exited after two innings with a left groin strain, and Allard’s second major-league appearance was coming in relief against the Nationals.
Allard made it through a scoreless third. Then came Bryce Harper, who’s caught fire with his team’s back against the wall.
Harper led off the fourth with a shot reminiscent to his many here at Nationals Park in the All-Star home run derby last month. It launched a downward spiral that resulted in the Braves’ 8-3 loss to the Nationals on Tuesday in the first game of a doubleheader.
“I didn’t execute pitches,” Allard said. “I’m just going to go back and try to get things rolling again.”
Ryan Zimmerman followed Harper with a homer to center. Allard appeared to have settled back in with two outs, but walked Spencer Kieboom on four pitches. Nationals pitcher Jefry Rodriguez doubled down the left field line, prompted a mound visit from pitching coach Chuck Hernandez.
It didn’t get much better for Allard. Trae Turner’s single plated another run, then Juan Soto’s hit forced another mound visit before Anthony Rendon provided the third out.
The Nationals had five hits and walk in route to a four-run fourth that felt game-sealing. In the process, it fortified the belief that Allard isn’t ready for the major-league level.
“Probably (not quite ready),” Snitker said when asked what he’s seen from Allard in his first two appearances. “It’s command. It’s command of all your pitches for these young guys. I’m sure it was better in Triple-A and this is a different animal. ... He’s got to hit his locations. If he doesn’t get his secondary stuff over, it’s a tough ride for him.”
That’s OK. Braves fans have grown accustomed to unseasoned contributors, spoiled by Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies and even Mike Soroka. Most prospects aren’t – and shouldn’t be expected to be – ready at the ripe age of 20 or 21.
Allard turns 21 next week. He was exceptional in Triple-A and climbed the rankings quickly, even if most of his ascension came under a more aggressive regime. General manager Alex Anthopoulos and Snitker maintained most of the season that Allard was only a phone call away.
They had faith when the time came, they could use him. They have, and it’s illustrated he needs more preparation. Allard’s rain-delayed debut included nine hits and four earned runs in a win against the Marlins.
“There’s less room for error,” Allard said, comparing the majors to Triple-A. “But if you execute your pitches, it’s going to go well for you. I just have to do a better job.”
His fastball sits in the high 80s, low 90s, so he doesn’t have the power nor stuff to bail him out. He needs more refinement before squaring off with the Harpers of the world.
But consider the circumstances: Allard was the 26th man, the temporary extra player awarded to teams participating in a doubleheader. He was thrown in earlier than he could’ve anticipated, which can have mental repercussions, especially for a younger player regardless of how mature Allard is.
The Nationals smelled blood when Fried exited. If Harper’s homer didn’t sound the alarms, Zimmerman’s certainly did. It showed.
“He just got some balls up,” Snitker said. “You can’t miss location with these guys or they’ll hurt you.”
Allard remains a candidate to make starts in the next eight weeks. The Braves have just three more off days, and will employ a fluid six-man rotation (without such title) to space out innings, especially with their two best arms, Mike Foltynewicz and Sean Newcomb, untested in carrying a full-season’s load.
Fried and Luiz Gohara are two go-to options, though the former was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left groin strain Tuesday. Allard will be in the mix, as will Touki Toussaint, who could join the bullpen soon, and could also make a spot start if needed.
The experience of the majors, and a pennant race at that, will benefit Allard. At the same time, the Braves are trying to win games now, and they’ll need to evaluate how conducive a developing Allard is to that cause.
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