Freddie Freeman, Mike Foltynewicz, Atlanta Braves. (Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
Freddie Freeman had a good time trolling Mike Foltynewicz at his former Atlanta Braves teammate’s expense.
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman may be the reigning NL MVP, but he is not worried about the designated hitter not returning to the Senior Circuit this season. He is relieved that his former Braves teammate Mike Foltynewicz plays in the American League now and will not have to hit any more.
Freeman and Foltynewicz were Braves teammates for the last six years. While Foltynewicz was an All-Star in 2018, he struggled mightily in 2020, resulting in him no longer being part of the Braves organization. Despite a 16.20 ERA in only 3.1 innings of work last season, that is almost as bad as his career slash line at the plate of .070/.075/.085. This is what 17 career total bases looks like.
Mike Foltynewicz looks to rebound from a bad 2020, now on the Texas Rangers
After six years with the Braves organization, Foltynewicz returns to Texas to play for the other Lone Star franchise. Foltynewicz was originally a first-round pick by the Houston Astros out of high school in 2010. 2021 will be his first season in the Texas Rangers organization. Maybe a change of scenery will do wonders for him on finding the stuff that made him great in 2018?
At some point in the not-so-distant future, the designated hitter will become universal in the MLB. Having it be part of the 60-game season last year was a major turning point for staunch opponents of it over in the Senior Circuit. While not having the pitcher hit takes away some of the strategy of the game, having a ninth hitter in a lineup who can do something at the plate is preferable.
As long as Foltynewicz puts in the work on the mound, he can bounce back in Rangers uniform.