The Atlanta Braves were a bit more aggressive with their Arizona Fall League selections this season than most organizations are, sending two pitchers with major league appearances in Darius Vines and Dylan Dodd out to the desert.
Vines has showed that the selection was a smart one.
The righty was named the Pitcher of the Week for last week after a start for the Salt River Rafters where he went 5.2 innings allowing only one run on four hits, striking out nine.
Congratulations to Darius Vines (ATL) on being named the Week 3 NFP Pitcher of the Week!
— MLB's Arizona Fall League (@MLBazFallLeague) October 25, 2023
Vines struck out nine batters over 5.2 innings for the Salt River Rafters. #AFL23 pic.twitter.com/B7lbGTbxYR
Vines has been strong in the AFL, making two starts with only three total runs allowed on six hits and three walks while striking out thirteen. It's going to go a long way to help his case for the 5th starter's job out of spring training next year - Atlanta's looking to have a lot of competition for that last spot, with Vines, fellow Bakersfield, CA product Allan Winans, and others all competing in spring.
Game One: Friday 10/27, Arizona @ Texas - 8:03 pm ET on Fox
Game Two: Saturday 10/28, Arizona @ Texas - 8:03 pm ET on Fox
Game Three: Monday 10/30, Texas @ Arizona - 8:03 pm ET on Fox
Game Four: Tuesday 10/31, Texas @ Arizona - 8:03 pm ET on Fox
Game Five*: Wednesday 11/1, Texas @ Arizona - 8:03 pm ET on Fox
Game Six*: Friday 11/3, Arizona @ Texas - 8:03 pm ET on Fox
Game Seven*: Saturday 11/4, Arizona @ Texas - 8:03 pm ET on Fox
* played if needed
Atlanta went out and answered one of the many questions about their bullpen innings in 2024 with the re-signing of Pierce Johnson to a multi-year deal. Here's what we wrote about Johnson returning to Atlanta:
Johnson was one of the more effective relievers down the stretch for Atlanta, pitching in 24 games (23.2 innings) with only two earned runs allowed, striking out 32 and walking five. He worked his way into the high-leverage mix for Atlanta, mixing into the 6th, 7th, & 8th innings depending on situation and handedness of the opposing lineup.
Read the full piece here.
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