Snitker says Max Fried will go in game two

While this is no surprise, Max Fried will follow Mike Soroka in the Atlanta Braves rotation to start the 2020 season.

Manager Brian Snitker made the announcement Sunday while discussing his plans for the pitching staff, which continue to include the likelihood of seeing "bridge" pitchers in a piggyback situation early in the year.

Fried has been right behind Soroka in the scrimmage rotation. The left-hander was 17-6 last season with a 4.02 earned run average in 33 appearances (30 starts).

Snitker held off on announcing who will start next Sunday's game in New York against the Mets, but it is expected to be right-hander Mike Foltynewicz. Sean Newcomb could then get the start in game four to start the series in Tampa Bay.

Snitker has talked about the piggyback situation all during summer camp. If the Braves do not want to push their starting pitchers very deep in games early on, they can use the "bridge" pitchers to bridge the gap between the time the starter does pitch and when they can turn it over to the bullpen.

Josh Tomlin is expected to be the main bridge pitcher, and there is still a chance that Touki Toussaint could fill that role, as well.

Kyle Wright will get another shot in one of the exhibition games this week against the Marlins. If all goes well, Wright is expected to get the job as the fifth starter, as Cole Hamels will not start the season on the active list. Snitker also announced that Sunday, saying Hamels will remain on his throwing program but will simply not be ready in time to start the season.

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