The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
» Smyly gets off to good start with two scoreless innings,
Left-hander says he’s feeling great this spring.
The Braves would happily take this Drew Smyly in the regular season.
Smyly, one of the team’s two veteran rotation additions this winter, made his spring debut Wednesday. He allowed one hit and struck out three over two innings in the Braves’ 8-1 loss to the Orioles.
“This is a very young and energetic team. We just have so much talent around you everywhere you look,” Smyly said of his time with the Braves so far. “The coaching staff has been amazing. I love working with (pitching coach Rick Kranitz). He has that old-school vibe. He’s been around and seen a lot. I really enjoy working with him.
“I feel good. I’m really excited to get this season going with this club.”
The Braves are betting Smyly’s 2020 season was a sign of what’s to come. The lefty had a 3.42 ERA and struck out 14.4 batters per nine innings for the Giants. He parlayed that success into a one-year, $11 million deal with the Braves, who prioritized bolstering their rotation.
Smyly, 31, said he felt “out of sync” Wednesday, but he was happy with how he adjusted. The only hit he allowed was to the game’s first batter. He retired the next six Orioles, including striking out the side in the second inning. He said his curveball was much improved in the second inning.
Spring training stats don’t hold much weight, but Smyly’s strong debut was nonetheless a welcomed sight for the Braves.
“This whole spring I’ve felt great,” Smyly said. “I feel like I have a great idea of the kind of pitcher I am. It takes a long time for a lot of guys to figure it out. The game is always evolving. You have to keep making adjustments. But I feel like I’m in a really good place with how to pitch, how to attack hitters. I’m just trying to carry that over.”
Notes from Wednesday: ■ Second baseman Ozzie Albies hit his first homer of the spring in the fourth inning. After a wrist injury affected his 2020 season, Albies is healthy and should be a huge part of the offense.
■ Manager Brian Snitker singled out 21-year-old reliever Victor Vodnik, the only one of the five pitchers who followed Smyly who did not allow a run Wednesday. Vodnik allowed one hit in a clean inning.
“Vodnik is an interesting kid,” Snitker said. “He has a nice arm. That was cool to see him pitch.”
Snitker also mentioned William Woods and Freddy Tarnok, both 22, as impressive young pitchers in camp.
■ Looking for a position player prospect who has stood out in the early going? Outfielder Michael Harris looks primed for a leap. Snitker recently praised the 19-year-old Dekalb County native.
“Impressive-looking ballplayer,” Snitker said. “You talk about skills, approach … I don’t think I’d lose money if I say he’s going to be a young big leaguer.”
■ Bryse Wilson will make his first spring start today against the Pirates. Wilson is vying for a bigger role — he can help in the rotation and bullpen — and his last appearance on the mound was his best. Wilson outdueled Clayton Kershaw in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, allowing one run over six innings.