Braves reported plan with JR Ritchie is a strange one for second MLB stint

The Atlanta Braves made a series of roster moves on Wednesday afternoon, with Ronald Acuna Jr. landing on the injured list and JR Ritchie being recalled from the minor leagues.

In bringing Ritchie back up to the Majors for his second MLB stint, Atlanta now has two of their top pitching prospects up at the MLB level. But, just like with Didier Fuentes, the Braves seemingly have an odd plan with Ritchie.

According to Ken Sugiura of ajc.com, the Braves plan to use Ritchie out of the bullpen, and not as a starter, during this second stint in the Majors. It's a strange decision, especially since there's a very easy pivot they could make to get him into the rotation.

Braves have a strange bullpen plan for JR Ritchie

"This may go without saying, but it's my understanding that JR Ritchie will be used out of the bullpen and not as a starter," Sugiura reports. "He'll have a 'length' role and could graduate to having a leverage role."

The Braves using Ritchie out of the bullpen like they have been with Fuentes this season might not seem like a bad idea on paper, considering how good Fuentes, with his 2.42 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 26 innings, has done in such a role.

But, considering Ritchie was a starter during his first MLB call-up, and he's only been a starter during his minor league career with an impressive 2.81 ERA, it's a little strange they aren't putting him back into the rotation.

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Yes, his 4.56 ERA during five starts with 21 strikeouts, a 1.44 WHIP, and 16 walks in 25.2 innings wasn't the best. But the Braves could've given him another chance to act as a starter this year.

This is especially the case considering Grant Holmes, who has a 4.05 ERA this season with a 1.34 WHIP and 59 strikeouts in 66.2 innings across 13 starts, would make sense to move back to the bullpen, where he's thrived before.

It's a strange plan for the Braves to take with a top pitching prospect like Ritchie, who has not been a reliever option for the Braves during his minor league ascension.

Hopefully, Ritchie can thrive in this new role for the Braves at the big league level and can mirror the success that Fuentes has had this season in his new role.

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