Braves designate former All-Star Foltynewicz for assignment

Mike Foltynewicz's time with the Atlanta Braves appears to be coming to a surprising end.

The Braves are designating the right-hander for assignment, manager Brian Snitker announced Monday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The team will have seven days to trade Foltynewicz or place him on outright waivers.

Foltynewicz started Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays and allowed six runs on four hits - three homers - and four walks in 3 2/3 innings.

His fastball velocity was markedly low versus the Rays, sitting at just over 90 mph after averaging 95 to 96.5 mph over the bulk of Foltynewicz's six-year MLB career. Snitker said the drop was apparent before the shortened campaign began.

"After the last couple outings in (summer camp), we wanted to give it a go here and it was the same," Snitker said, according to Bowman. "We didn't see enough increase in the velocity. That's who he's been. He's been a stuff guy for the entire time we've had him. The stuff hasn't been there."

Foltynewicz emerged as a potential frontline starter for the Braves during his lone All-Star season in 2018. He went 13-10 with a 2.85 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 183 innings to finish eighth in NL Cy Young voting.

His performance was spottier in 2019, but he was 4-1 with a 1.94 ERA over his final eight starts.

Foltynewicz has one more year of team control remaining and isn't slated to hit free agency until after the 2021 season.

Right-hander Chad Sobotka will join the team in Foltynewciz's roster spot Tuesday.