Kolby Allard (SP, ATL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Kolby Allard fought through shaky weather in his MLB debut against Miami, winding up with five runs allowed (four earned) on nine hits (one homer) and two walks with one strikeout. He threw 81 pitches in all -- 53 fastballs (averaging 89.1 mph), 19 changeups and nine curveballs. While he was able to induce some timely grounders, he looked upset with himself often for missing high with his fastball or low with the offspeed stuff.

Very understandable stuff for a debut, but this is not the command of a guy who posted a 2.80 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with a lowly 7.4% walk rate over 109 ⅓ IP at Triple-A Gwinnett. It is possible that Allard is given some more run in the rotation given how Sean Newcomb was already receiving extra rest before he threw 134 pitches in pursuit of a no-hitter. We will see how the Bravos feel about newly-acquired Kevin Gausman or Luiz Gohara, but Allard is a fine-but-not-great add for now.