The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
» Reliever Newcomb expected to return this weekend,
Left-handed reliever Sean Newcomb is expected to rejoin the Braves this weekend, manager Brian Snitker said. Newcomb hasn’t pitched since April 16 and has been on the injured list for an unidentified reason. He has cleared protocols and threw at the alternate training site Tuesday, according to Snitker.
“He should be ready to go by the first game of the road trip,” Snitker said. The Braves open a three-game series Friday in Dunedin, Florida, against the Blue Jays before facing the Nationals for three games in Washington.
Newcomb’s return will be a boost for the team’s up-anddown bullpen. A converted starter, Newcomb has looked at home as a reliever again. He’s struck out 12 against four walks in 5⅓ innings (five appearances). Before his absence, Snitker indicated Newcomb would continue seeing more opportunities in high-leverage situations.
Other notes from Wednesday:
■ Starter Mike Soroka, whose comeback from a torn Achilles was delayed by throwing shoulder inflammation, has started playing catch and is essentially starting from square one. There’s no timetable for his return. It’s been a difficult calendar year for Soroka, who when healthy is one of the premier young pitchers in the game.
“He’s been off long enough where he’ll have to start over, I think,” Snitker said. “We just have to be patient with him. (He’s) been through a lot. And you know what, when he gets here, it’ll be great.”
■ In more positive injury news, reliever Chris Martin will pitch in simulated games at the alternate site during the Braves’ upcoming trip, so he’s nearing his return. Starter Max Fried will throw a live batting practice today and “feels great,” Snitker said.
“Everything is headed in the right direction,” Snitker said. “You just have to check boxes, day afters, but I feel really good that things are going in the right direction right now (with both pitchers).”
■ The Braves are progressing toward the 85% vaccination threshold that will allow them to loosen COVID-19 protocols, Snitker said Wednesday. An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second shot.
“It just takes time after you get them all,” said Snitker, who added he’s more than two weeks clear of his second dose of the vaccine. “We’re trying to hit that 85, 89%. We’re working hard toward it.”
Teams were informed March 29 that MLB and the players’ association agreed to relax numerous health and safety protocols for fully vaccinated Tier 1 individuals (players, staff ) and teams who’ve reached an 85% fully vaccinated rate. In the same memo, individuals were encouraged to get vaccinated.
Among the benefits for teams who’ve reached the threshold: No more masks in the dugouts and bullpens. Players and staff can eat and drink on flights. They can gather in indoor spaces without masks and social distancing if fully vaccinated (though that doesn’t apply to gatherings at team facilities). Fully vaccinated individuals would have restrictions on trips loosened, including no longer requiring to inform compliance officers when they’re leaving the hotel. Vaccinated personnel also have the choice to reduce testing to twice a week instead of every other day. Those individuals can use ride-share services and attend religious services.