Braves Option 2018 All-Star Pitcher Mike Foltynewicz to Triple-A

Mike Foltynewicz had what appeared to be a breakout campaign in 2018, racking up 202 strikeouts across 183 innings and posting a sublime 2.85 ERA. The Braves' hurler earned his first career All-Star nod, and looked to be the anchor for the team's rotation of the future.

Fast forward to this season, and the tune has changed. Drastically. Foltynewicz opened the season on the IL, and when he finally returned to the mound, he looked far from the potential ace that he appeared to be in 2018.

As a result, the Braves swallowed the difficult pill, and optioned the lefty to Triple-A Gwinnett.

The move stings, but it had to be done. Folty had recorded a 6.37 ERA across 11 starts this season, striking out 50 batters in 59.1 innings of work. The most damning case against the 27-year-old, however, was the 16 long balls he surrendered this season.

His inability to keep the baseball in the park was plaguing him virtually every start, and even if the ball wasn't leaving the yard, he was still getting hit hard.

The final domino in the decision to demote the struggling starter was Saturday's outing, during which he lasted just 4 innings against the Nationals, surrendering 8 runs on 8 hits while striking out just 2 batters.

In a corresponding move, right-hander Chad Sobotka will make his return to the big leagues, and is expected to take a spot in the bullpen.

With Dallas Keuchel also being brought up to the big leagues earlier this week, Folty's rough outing against Atlanta's division rivals was the final straw, and he'll be given some time to work out the kinks in Gwinnett.