Pitching coach Roger McDowell will not return to Braves staff
Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell, the voice behind one of baseball’s most consistent pitching franchises over the past decade-plus, will not be making the move to SunTrust Park.
The Braves announced they declined McDowell’s 2017 option on Friday morning.
“Roger is a terrific coach and an even better person,” general manager John Coppolella said in a statement. “We wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future.”
Since joining Bobby Cox's staff after the 2005 season, McDowell, 55, has carved out a reputation as one of baseball's top pitching coaches. As the franchise transitioned out of the Big Three era, the former 12-year MLB veteran helped mold the next wave of Braves pitchers, including Tim Hudson, Craig Kimbrel, Eric O'Flaherty, Jonny Venters, Julio Teheran, Tommy Hanson, Kris Medlen, Mike Minor and Alex Wood.
Over his 11 seasons in Atlanta, Braves pitchers ranked fourth-best in ERA (3.88) behind only the Dodgers, Cardinals and Giants — a feat that has been undercut recently by the influx of talented but inexperienced arms.
As the Braves continue their managerial search, there were apparent concerns about the development of their young pitchers, notably the likes of Matt Wisler and Aaron Blair, in 2016. The team expressed the need to add starting pitching this offseason during exit interviews. Braves starters finished third-worst in ERA and fifth-worst in fielding-independent pitching this season as only Julio Teheran and Mike Foltynewicz turned in quality campaigns.
Eventually, given that it is the crux of their rebuilding effort, the Braves will need a few (or more) of their young starters to take significant steps forward. With Friday morning's move, it's clear they want to bring in a new voice to lead that process.
