The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
» Slimmer Gohara tries to get career in shape,
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. — Just 17 months ago, Luiz Gohara’s outlook might’ve been the brightest of the Braves’ young arms.
A tumultuous 2018, strained by on- and off-field struggles, dulled his star.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say Gohara’s value has plummeted. He’s more a wild card than potential front-line starter. That’s a far fall from September 2017, when his five-start sample made him the team’s most intriguing prospect enter- ing last spring.
He lost his father in the offseason, then had to depart the team in May to see his mother, recovering from heart surgery, in Brazil. He didn’t have a spring training due to injuries. He barely had a regular season — just nine games — due to the same. His conditioning remained a serious concern.
“Last year I had a lot of things going on,” he said. “I didn’t really have my mind (here).”
After enduring a throw- away season, Gohara spent the winter bettering his life. He was mostly in Florida with the team’s trainers, rehabbing and going through a health program that helped him trim 35-40 pounds and improve his eating and sleep- ing habits. He lifted weights four times a week.
He’s self-aware enough to know how important this year will be. His team- mates lauded him before he’d even arrived in Orlando last spring. Now he’s a fringe prospect.
At 22, time hasn’t run out. “I hope I have what I did in 2017,” Gohara said. “I hope I have all that back now.”
Gohara devoted himself to getting right. His lifestyle was unsustainable; he admits his eating was excessive. He welcomed the Braves’ help getting him ready, mentally and physically, for this spring.
He says the offseason flew by. In December, he visited his mother again for a few weeks before returning to Florida for the remainder of the offseason.
“She’s feeli n g good,” Gohara said. “She’s getting better every day and doing the process her doctor told her to do. I’m really proud of her for putting in the hard work she put into her health.”
Gohara considers this season a new start. As he worded it, he’s figured everything out. He’s taking every step with a newfound enthusiasm.
“He’s lost weight,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s dedicated himself to getting himself together and in shape.”
His body feels the best it has in quite some time. His shoulder is healthy. The eyetest supports his weight-loss estimation. “I feel much better. Even outside the field, just from sleeping and recovering, it makes me feel much better,” Gohara said.
The team ushered in a bounty of new pitching prospects in his absence. He knows the competition has only gotten deeper. There’s only one available spot in the rotation and he isn’t the only young guy who could fill the multi-inning role in the bullpen.
But make no mistake, his eyes are on that rotation spot. He was presumed to be in the mix last February. Even if he’s outdone in that competition, he wants to be part of the Braves’ success in 2019. He doesn’t want to be viewed as a wild card.
“I came here to earn my spot back,” Gohara said. “I think this is going to be a good spring for me to show them I’m ready to go for it in 2019.”
Culberson reports: Charlie Culberson reported early for Braves camp Monday, leaving Nick Markakis as the last veteran to arrive. Position players aren’t required to report until Wednesday, a day before full-squad workouts.