Major League Baseball

Braves' Foltynewicz continues recovery from blood clots

Published Feb. 1, 2016 4:40 p.m. ET

foxsports

ATLANTA (AP) Braves right-hander Mike Foltynewicz is hoping he'll be cleared this week to throw off a mound as he continues his recovery from life-threatening blood clots in his right shoulder.

The 24-year-old Foltynewicz said Monday he has lost about 20 pounds during his recovery from surgery to remove part of a rib under the shoulder. His 2015 season ended in September when the blood clots were discovered and he was placed on blood-thinning medicine.

Even if he is taken off the medication this week and given clearance to start throwing off a mound, Foltynewicz could have difficulty being ready for the start of the season.

Foltynewicz is one of several candidates for one of the last two spots in Atlanta's rotation behind Julio Teheran, Bud Norris and Matt Wisler.