Braves put Smyly on IL, recall Wright for start

Drew Smyly, who had been scheduled to take the mound for Atlanta on Friday afternoon against the Cubs, was instead placed on the 10-day injured list with left forearm inflammation.

In light of Smyly’s injury, the Braves recalled Kyle Wright and Johan Camargo from the alternate training site. Wright got the start in Smyly’s place, giving up two runs on three hits with two walks over 4 1/3 innings in Atlanta's 5-2 win. Camargo will take the roster spot of lefty Tucker Davidson, who was optioned to the alternate training site after Thursday’s win against the Marlins.

Braves manager Brian Snitker is optimistic that Smyly will only miss one start.

“If we were at the end of the year, we probably just keep going,” said Snitker. “This is just kind of erring on the side of caution. There was enough there that you know there was a little concern when he was throwing, but we feel like missing a start will rectify everything and get him back good.”

Smyly has a 5.73 ERA through two starts this year, having allowed nine runs (seven earned) with 11 strikeouts and one walk in 11 innings.

The timing of Wright's callup works out well, as he was on schedule to pitch Friday at the alternate training site. In 2020, the right-hander went 2-4 with a 5.21 ERA in eight starts.

“They’ve got enough guys down there that they’ve been playing actual games, and so he’s been staying stretched out, he’s been good. He’s the one that was on turn,” said Snitker.

Throughout Spring Training, Snitker often discussed how the Braves would need the help of every player on their roster. Luckily for Atlanta, with two off-days next week (Monday and Thursday), it allows Smyly and even Max Fried -- who is on the IL with a right hamstring strain -- to rest and come back without missing an additional start.

“With both Max and Drew, I think with the upcoming off-days, [it] allows us to kind of maneuver things and hopefully they just both miss a start,” said Snitker. “It could be a good thing that we're not stretched too far.”

Smyly, who was signed to a one-year contract this past offseason, has a battled a variety of injuries throughout his career. Most notably, he missed the entire 2017 and 2018 seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and he's topped 150 innings pitched just twice since his debut in 2012.