Atlanta Braves right handed starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens tweaked his knee last Friday during a bullpen session. That injury has apparently not healed to a point where the Braves feel comfortable sending him to the mound to face the Phillies tonight in the opener of a crucial three-game series in Philadelphia. In his place the Braves will call on rookie Brandon Beachy.
Beachy is an undrafted free agent from a small college in Indiana. He rocketed through the system this year, and now finds himself starting one of the biggest games for the Braves this season. He's a standard three-pitch pitcher, with a plus fastball, plus curve, and an above average change-up. His location is also described as a plus skill. Here is a link to a piece we did on him earlier in the year.
While the Phillies will throw three ace starters against the Braves in this series -- Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, and Roy Oswalt -- Atlanta will now start two rookies, including Mike Minor in tomorrow night's game.
Beachy will wear uniform number 37 for Atlanta.
Here is a video interview Beachy did two months ago. It should introduce him to everyone very nicely.
0 recs | 163 comments
I'm both excited and nerve-wracked by this news....
EricGreggWasPaidOff - September 20, 2010
I'm really interested in seeing him pitch
I just wish it wasn’t in this situation.
All the best to him. I hope he continues what he was doing in AAA tonight.
garlick - September 20, 2010
Oh God
My heart isn’t going to be able to take it…
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.
Scott Coleman - September 20, 2010
Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.
Scott Coleman - September 20, 2010
Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.
Scott Coleman - September 20, 2010
Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.
Scott Coleman - September 20, 2010
Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.
Scott Coleman - September 20, 2010
This
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
you just stay away
and we’ll be fine ;)
Sir Veza - September 20, 2010
I really wish I could.
but I’d be lying if I told you I would be sitting at home tonight and wouldn’t watch the game.
Scott Coleman - September 20, 2010
If the Braves lose....
I would be lying if I told you I wouldn’t be marching toward your home with a torch and pitchfork in hand.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - September 20, 2010
I’d probably stab myself with a trident first.
Scott Coleman - September 20, 2010
You're not going to get out of painful torture that easy....
I’m bringing my Necronomicon with me, as well.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - September 20, 2010
I'll bring the boomstick.
J-Freak - September 20, 2010 via mobile
shop smart
shop S-mart…
Kolb-Wickman Effect - September 20, 2010
This!
AndiRose - September 20, 2010
Houston......we have.....something.
lol
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
Haha
this is exactly how I feel as well.
Cayla - September 20, 2010
This
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
I love ya but......
Please DO NOT WATCH lol!
Jay212033 - September 20, 2010
Poor KK.
Element of surprise?
10-4 - September 20, 2010
If KK doesn't know he's off the team at the end of the year
This should be the last message. I actually basically forgot he was in the bullpen.
garlick - September 20, 2010
Well guys and gals
We are going to witness the true grit and mettle of this team. They have 2 rooks going this series so the offense is going to need to step up BIG TIME. Get the ball to the bullpen tied or with the lead, and they will take care of the rest. C’mon Braves, this is your time, your division, and YOUR year
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
Brandon Beachy vs. Cole Hamels and Mike Minor vs. Roy Halladay
if this team pulls off a series win, then there’s something seriously special going on.
Scott Coleman - September 20, 2010
honestly
I know I am an obvious Braves homer, but I really do have a gut feeling this team is ready to break out and quiet the Phils (temporarily anyways). Nothing would be bigger than a series win against these odds while simultaneously giving the Phils a sense of a letdown on our part. God I hope I’m right…
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
Wish I had this confidence.
Love our guys, but I’m pretty nervous right now.
strider15 - September 20, 2010
Its not that I don't have any nerves about the situation
But something about this year and team has my usual pessimistic self at bay. I don’t expect the moon out of this kid or Minor tomorrow, I just have that feeling that they may be able to do just enough to give the Braves a chance. This series is going to be on the offense
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
Well, maybe the Curse of the Unknown Pitcher will strike the Phils tonight. If Beachy comes close to Minor’s debut, we should be okay.
DawgB - September 20, 2010
2010...
has not been kind to Jair Jurrjens.
At this point I’ll be happy to just win one game in this series. I figure we have to go 8-4 to make the playoffs.
mdhenshaw - September 20, 2010
I have to think that Bobby is thinking that we are going to make the playoffs, at least as the wild card. Not taking a chance with JJ tonight and having him available for the post-season makes sense. However, if he had truly given up on winning the east, he might put KK out there. Beachy gives us the best chance to win tonight.
DawgB - September 20, 2010
are u figuring that COL, SF, and SD dont lose a game the rest of the season??
ATLBRVS_19 - September 20, 2010
If the Braves go 8-4 the next place team would have to go 10-2 to tie us.
mdhenshaw - September 20, 2010
Not at all. We do have the upper hand, however. We do need to go 8-4 or 9-3, to really have it in hand. But, if we can win the division, then we don’t have to worry about tose guys
DawgB - September 20, 2010
We’ll likely have to go 10-2 or better to catch the Phillies. Not very likely.
mdhenshaw - September 20, 2010
9-3 would do it, if 5 or 6 of them are against the Phils.
DawgB - September 20, 2010
We only have to win 5 out of 6 against the Philly.
mdhenshaw - September 20, 2010
no. We could just win 4 out 6 against Phils, and then hope the Phils lose a game when we are not playing them and we win a game.
Braves24 - September 20, 2010
then we would have to sweep the Nationals (in DC) and the Marlins at home.
mdhenshaw - September 20, 2010
no. We just have to win one more game than the Phils when we are not playing them
Braves24 - September 20, 2010
is it bad that im not totally upset by this?
jj has been putrid the last month or so of the season, i cant imagine beachy being much worse than jj
jman07 - September 20, 2010
JJ is historically one of the best visiting pitchers in CBP
DOB has it as his topic of his blog before the news that Beachy was starting broke:
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2010/09/20/beachys-on-standby-but-braves-need-jurrjens-to-pitch/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_braves_blog
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
this may be true but recently hes been bad. no matter where he pitches at. he also had won all his home starts before the cards ripped him. when healthy hes great, he obviously isnt so i had very low expectations for him in philly tonight
jman07 - September 20, 2010
in JJ's defense
I dont have any stats or anything, but he always seems to do well against Ph.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
Anybody got a scouting report on Beach?
How’s he going to handle this pressure? Dude’s undrafted out of a small college… this is a million times bigger than any game he’s ever pitched in his life.
strider15 - September 20, 2010
I would have him puke a couple of times in the locker room before he starts warming up. Seriously, we have seen several debuts over the past 2 years. Only Hanson’s sticks out as not particualrly good. Let’s hope if he has contol issues due to nerves, they are down in the dirt.
DawgB - September 20, 2010
Didn’t Minor say his arm is dead? I liked PWHjort’s idea of pitching Huddy/Hanson/Lowe on short rest for the rest of the year.
TradeAndruw - September 20, 2010
I think he said he was more tired than he has ever been. But, we have to think playoffs as well as winning the division. I am certain he will be in the pen for the postseason as a long reliever.
DawgB - September 20, 2010
That would leave 3 tired arms for the playoffs. I dont think thats a good idea
Quilvio Veras - September 20, 2010 via mobile
Beachy is gonna keep the phillies offense pacific.
nick9314 - September 20, 2010
Pelican
DreamWithinADream - September 20, 2010
Imma shit if he throws a no-no!
TCfromDubVee - September 20, 2010
Delete
BeatTehMets - September 20, 2010
gee whiz JJ
Let’s hope Beach is in the zone. ugh. I hate the Phils park.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
wow. ok then.
Good job for Beachy. Man, I miss Medlen and it is too bad Bobby hates KK for some reason.
Braves24 - September 20, 2010
“for some reason” = dude would get lit up
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
right now, probably
he hasn’t pitch in what? two weeks?
Braves24 - September 20, 2010
i really don’t think it would matter. the last couple times i saw him, 0 movement. all his pitches are too inviting. no curve anymore. no break.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
hmm interesting since
the last eight starts before he disappeared his ERA was in the low 3’s. Like 3.12
Braves24 - September 20, 2010
i just never saw enough consistency. i dont see KK as a starter. more like a bullpen guy. for the Royals.
i see where you’re going tho, but at this point in the season, file it under “what could have been” and move on.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
I see what you are saying
but last year he was great and consistent. This year, he started off bad but was turning it around. He was pitching great before he was sent to the pen, but Medlen was pitching better and deserved to stay in the rotation. I agree though, it’s obvious Bobby doesn’t like to use him and time to move on, even though that might not be the best decision
Braves24 - September 20, 2010
I'm excited for Beachy - and nervous for him too.
Wouldn’t it be great to have him come into the Phils park and get his first Win!!!
I swear, I’ve aged 5 yrs this season with all the biters, come from behind wins – a Cinderella story would just be par for the course and very appropriate.
NCChopper - September 20, 2010
I'll be crossing everything I can tonight.
Can’t hurt, right?
NCChopper - September 20, 2010
I usually have a “Braves mode” of crossing my fingers above my eyes, like goggles, almost, that helps us, 9/10 times. so there’s that, too.
:))
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
wow
philly lines up their top 3 like its the playoffs and we have 2 rookies and a 2nd year?
i guess on the bright side if we can grab at least 2 of 3, the phillies will have the steam taken out of them.
Slee - September 20, 2010
BB and MM are rookies
dont forget that Tommy is playing only in his second year
joshant - September 20, 2010
I feel this is more appropriate now more than ever:
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
Whoops, try again
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
Braves need to make a ‘Rise Up’ video with Samuel L Jackson
award6 - September 20, 2010
Ugh
We went 0-4 following the unveiling of this slogan in 2009.
10-4 - September 20, 2010
yea just as soon as the front office figured out what was going on they jinxed it with their marketing
Slee - September 20, 2010
when is the last time beachy pitched?
DRIVINATWORK - September 20, 2010
September 3
Been throwing bullpens and usual work since then
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
this is how legends are made
Texastriplecrown - September 20, 2010
yeah
I was really thinking JJ was going to appear as 08-09 JJ tonite.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
Hamels:
1-1 6.39 ERA in three starts against us this season.
strider15 - September 20, 2010
we always seem to play Hamels the way the Gnats play us.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
In case anyone was wondering
They made room on the 40-man roster by moving Brandon Hicks to the 60-day DL
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
Indiana? Thats where my ID is from
nick9314 - September 20, 2010
Theres a rookie loose in citizens bank park. You better hide your rollins, hide you howard, cause he’s strikin out everybody. You think hes not gonna beat you? You is so stupid. You can go run and tell that!
Quilvio Veras - September 20, 2010 via mobile
……tell it.
lol
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
HOMEBOY
ArmyITSpec - September 20, 2010
U are SO dumb...like forrrreal
Scott Coleman - September 20, 2010
Damn
Why did it have to happen in Alabama
ArmyITSpec - September 20, 2010
LOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMtZfW2z9dw
Scott Coleman - September 20, 2010
OFFENSE!
Our offense is going to need to score very early to help Beachy settle into this game. A scoreless 1st and 2nd inning for Beachy will be very crucial too. Geez, I’m so nervous right now!
deewill23 - September 20, 2010
lol. hopefully his first start doesn’t go anything like Meds’.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
this
I was there for that start against the Rockies. Aaron Cook was on that night.
heap16 - September 20, 2010
Bobby has to pitch around Howard tonight right?
That dude kills Braves pitching this time of the year. I saw Beachy one time on CSS and he looked like a guy capable of throwing strikes and mixing up his pitches. The offense has to show up BIG (or mother nature to rain out Hamels after 2 innings) for us to pull out the W. Minor tomorrow should be big in our favor considering most of the power hitters (Howard and Utley) are lefties. With the 2010 Braves, any thing is possible. Go Braves.
romone_braves91 - September 20, 2010
Howard hasn't done anything against the Braves this year.
Also, I’m not sure walking Howard in his first AB gives Beachy confidence since he is probably going to have to pitch to him two more times.
Braves24 - September 20, 2010
Maybe not this year yet, but Howard single-handedly slaughtered us last September. something like 4 or 5 homers in 6 games. And that despite us handling him pretty well early last year. Do NOT underestimate Howard’s ability to wreak havoc against us.
J-Freak - September 20, 2010 via mobile
Lets Go Bravos
PHUCK THE PHILLIES
bravesguy95 - September 20, 2010
And Phillies fans complain about injuries.
Three starters have gone down this season and missed at least one start. Meds, JJ and Lowe.
MBL1 - September 20, 2010 via mobile
Phillies phans also induce vomitting on children and get tazed....
so…
they complain alot, in general.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
Don't look now but they're complaining about the Braves complaining.
Maybe its just that all baseball fans complain?
E-Lizz - September 20, 2010
again, their rap-sheet is much worse than ours.
yes, I know they sell out every game
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
Time...
To put Philly in their place… Everyone knows this division belongs to Atlanta after they dominated it the first ten years after realignment
HansonManCrush - September 20, 2010 via mobile
David vs Goliath
bring it
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
Certainty of death, small chance of success... What are we waiting for?
mdhenshaw - September 20, 2010
This
the inner nerd in me loves tis reference!
BravesDawg16 - September 20, 2010
awesome.
Texastriplecrown - September 20, 2010
word
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
Rec'd
king of games - September 20, 2010
Phillies Struggle against new guys they don't know
A Philly friend say they have really struggled anytime they face a new guy that is unknown. Lets hope tonite is the same thing.
Thank GOD!!! KK is not pitching…..anything is better than that..
GT500 - September 20, 2010
Sounds like the braves....
They haven’t seen Minor yet either, correct?
s.r.j - September 20, 2010
+100
A blind monkey in an oversided diaper would have a better shot at winning over KK
HansonManCrush - September 20, 2010 via mobile
…oversized…
HansonManCrush - September 20, 2010 via mobile
How far the Dragon Slayer has fallen….
it would be cool to see him going up against Halladay, again, with a 10-4 record or something, but shit…..
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
Good news:
Per DOB: MRI on Saito showed only shoulder tendinitis, #Braves hope to have him back in a few more days.
award6 - September 20, 2010
wow. Great news.
jbeachbum24 - September 20, 2010
This news may just be the difference between a trip to the playoffs and a trip to the golf course. Count me quite relieved.
UMDBHIK - September 20, 2010
Man Up
The Braves have made the playoffs 14 times since 1990.
You kids who are all caught up in the roller-coaster need to man up.
The only way you should expect the Braves not to make the postseason is if they aren’t in it after the 162nd game.
They don’t blow a good thing in the regular season. It just doesn’t happen.
Thrashy Thrashy - September 20, 2010
True...
we just blow it in the postseason.
mdhenshaw - September 20, 2010
Winning the whole thing this year
would bring back SO MANY fans in the south that have soured on teh Braves, for this very reason. As selfish as that sounds (with teams like the Cubs and Royals around), too much caving can be bad.
It’s like, they want to like the Braves, but don’t “Believe” they can do it.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
I agree. It was a great run, but 1 out of 14 isn’t very good.
mdhenshaw - September 20, 2010
yeah. lol. exactly.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
Familiarity breeds contempt.
Thankfully, the lack of will help Beachy out quite a bit. Congrats to the kid for his debut in an ENORMOUSLY important game. Guessing he’s got some butterflies going right now.
UMDBHIK - September 20, 2010
That Video Clip
Watch the video clip and tell me that the young lady is not making the universal sign for female genitalia with her two hands.
MarvelGoose - September 20, 2010
hahahahaha i noticed that too
heap16 - September 20, 2010
+1
MikeTrain - September 20, 2010
We can do this!
I think :)
jayjaxon - September 20, 2010
"I cant make the ball move I just sort of throw straight"
OH GOD… OH NO… OH GOD…
SuperNewb - September 20, 2010 via mobile
lol
jayjaxon - September 20, 2010
yea
that statement didnt give me too much confidence
Slee - September 20, 2010
Chris Resop?
DreamWithinADream - September 20, 2010
whattttttttttttttttt why did he say that haha
no bueno
MikeTrain - September 20, 2010
The Phillies would never admit to this....
but I’m pretty sure that, deep down, the last team they want to have 6 more games with is the Braves.
I’m not saying we’re going to go 6-0. But this is going to get nasty.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
They fear our superior skill, our wicked bullpen, and our rugged good looks
HansonManCrush - September 20, 2010 via mobile
I’m from Indiana, so do us proud Beachy! I’m rooting for you!
Sparhawk - September 20, 2010
Well I've been nervous as heck all day
And I’m more nervous now. This is a hell of a situation to put a rookie in, but I hope he pitches well. Just think of the confidence boost it would be for him if he were to go into Citizens Bank in arguably the biggest series of the year up to this point, against a team and offense that is on a tear- and pitch well? Even if we end up only managing one out of this series, or don’t win any, I can imagine it would do a lot for Beachy as a player. Definitely would give the Braves confidence in his ability for the future. We shall see.
E-Lizz - September 20, 2010
Beachy's initials are BB
OH NOOOZ
DreamWithinADream - September 20, 2010
NOOOOOO
Curses!!!
HansonManCrush - September 20, 2010 via mobile
KK, JJ, BB, MM… hmm
SuperNewb - September 20, 2010 via mobile
BBB in here means Bueno, Bonito y Barato
B = Bueno = Good
B = Bonito = Nice, Pretty
B = Barato = Cheap
joshant - September 20, 2010
Braves should go bullpen by committee for the win
Martinez 2 IP, Moylan 2 IP, EOF 2 IP, Venters IP, Kimbrel IP, and Wagner IP.
romone_braves91 - September 20, 2010
I’m joking.
romone_braves91 - September 20, 2010
maybe if it were a 1 game series
Slee - September 20, 2010
I’ll take Dunn for one of those innings instead of PeMo pitching 2
SuperNewb - September 20, 2010 via mobile
its better.
1 IP Martinez
1 IP Moylan
1 IP Proctor
1 IP EOF
1 IP Venters
1 IP Fanrs
1 IP Dunn
1 IP Kimbrel
1 IP Wagner
a la all stars game
joshant - September 20, 2010
Proctor and Fans make me nervous everytime they step on the mound.
romone_braves91 - September 20, 2010
thats because i setup that order to make Proctor and Farns face his bottom line
joshant - September 20, 2010
I see. Your lineup consists of a 27 up and 27 down kind of affair.
romone_braves91 - September 20, 2010
im positive
a 9 men combine perfect game
if not, then use Proctor and Farns to face their bottom line, and Dunn, EOF to face their lefties
joshant - September 20, 2010
Except Bobby would break it down like this:
Martinez 1/3 IP
Moylan 1/3 Ip
EOF 1/3 IP
Venters 8 IP
UMDBHIK - September 20, 2010
I'm laughing
But it’s all too true.
Sam Jethroe - September 20, 2010
Worked for the Nationals against the Braves
Then again everything works for the Nationals against the Braves
DreamWithinADream - September 20, 2010
and we’ll get to play them again, with Nyjer. just in time.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 20, 2010
Don’t forget this game is on national TV on MLB Network.
Unless they stick you with Rays/Yankees. God I hope they don’t stick me with Rays/Yankees, or I may go down to the local blood bank and ask for a Hep C cocktail.
UMDBHIK - September 20, 2010
sweet god
Texastriplecrown - September 20, 2010
RALLY THE SOLDIERS!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpwsKRpKS_M
Creek Johnson - September 20, 2010
Aragorn = Chipper
Theoden = Bobby
Rohan Riders = Nats, Fish, and Mets (maybe the mets…i hate those guys.)
Saruman’s Army = Phillies
Creek Johnson - September 20, 2010
Or, if you want a more classical take
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9fa3HFR02E
Sam Jethroe - September 20, 2010
I prefer this one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zc0BI7T1LA
Ricky O.G. Washington - September 20, 2010
Winner.
Sam Jethroe - September 20, 2010
Jurrjens Next Start?
Any word yet as to when JJ’s next start’s gonna be? I’m assuming it’s highly unlikely for him to just get pushed back a day or two and get a start in this series, correct?
Ricky O.G. Washington - September 20, 2010
I'm calling a perfect game.
saipol - September 20, 2010
The way JJ has been pitching of late
I’m happy it’s BB getting the start over JJ tonight! This said, I hope JJ recovers quickly and is available down the road if needed.
HEYJUDE - September 20, 2010
What are the chances...
JJ’s knee isn’t that bad, and he can feel better tomorrow supplanting Minor, allowing the other rook to be slotted back in against Washington or Florida to set us up for the last series with Phily?
Mr. Sanchez - September 20, 2010
Kawakami
I was stunned when I heard on the pregame show that Beachy has been on a throwing program ever since the Gwinnett season ended just in case the team needed a spot start. If they had any confidence at all in Kawakami they would have had him on a throwing program to get ready for a spot start. They quoted Bobby as saying that Kawakami was not ready to make a start. I guess it is pretty obvious that they have given up on him.
JimH - September 20, 2010
Or that he's not doing work in the bullpen...
which I strongly doubt. But this is the second time we’ve needed a spot start, and the guy we said was supposed to be in the role is “not ready” to fill it (see when Medlen went down causing Minor to come up also).
Mr. Sanchez - September 20, 2010
great news
Ok, my daughter went to her first game on May 31 (while still in the womb) to see the Bravos beat the Phillies when we were back in the US. Well, she might not have seen it, but she definitely heard the roar of the crowd. Today my wife and I were blessed with her birth and they’re both doing freat. At 8lbs 1.5 oz and 21 inches, Leah Yafa Bowen decided to come into the world 3 weeks early and who are the Bravos playing? The game is on past her bedtime so she won’t be able to watch – and frankly, I’m so exhausted I’m going to sleep now. But, I’m thinking Leah is dreaming about a win tonight just like her proud father. Let’s go Braves!
amman106 - September 20, 2010 via mobile
Congratulations!!
HEYJUDE - September 20, 2010
“GGGaaackk”; I’m afraid that’s the sound of the offense and the defense. I can hear it all the way from Pennsylvania.
Jess Think'n - September 20, 2010
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