Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Julio Teheran had a disappointing season at Triple-A in 2012, going 7-9 with a 5.08 ERA over 26 starts (131 innings), but still remained a highly-regarded prospect heading into this season. He earned a spot in the Atlanta Braves starting rotation during spring training, on the heels of a good showing in the Dominican Winter League, and should be able to keep his spot even when Brandon Beachy (elbow) is ready to return.
Teheran started the season slowly, with a 7.31 ERA and a 12:7 K/BB ratio over his first three starts (16 innings), which could have been expected with just seven major league appearances on his resume previously. But he he has been very good over his last five starts, lasting a least six innings four times with a 2.41 ERA, 18 strikeouts and two walks over 33.2 innings.
Teheran dominated the Minnesota Twins on Monday night, going 8.1 innings while allowing one run on five hits with four strikeouts and one walk. A ninth inning home run by Josh Willingham spoiled Teheran’s shutout bid, and with well over 100 pitches thrown (123) Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez did not hesistate to get his young pitcher out of the game.
Teheran’s next start is scheduled for Sunday night against the New York Mets, in what looks to be a favorable matchup. The Mets have the third-worst team batting average in the National League (.229) entering Tuesday’s action, and they have also struck out 364 times thus far (third-most in the National League). Teheran has faced the Mets twice in his career, making one start, with a 5.63 ERA over eight total innings.
Teheran should be on the radar of fantasy baseball owners at this point, and he is currently available in 69 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Mixed league owners can still take a wait-and-see approach with him depending on their individual situation, but those who are in NL-only leagues and need to bolster their starting pitching depth should absolutely add Teheran.
Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24.
