Newcomb was placed on the injured list for an unspecified reason Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Although Atlanta hasn't given a reason for Newcomb's placement on the injured list, he's apparently away from the team after a potential exposure to someone who had tested positive for COVID-19, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. As long as Newcomb doesn't test positive, he'll be able to return once he clears the league's health and safety protocols. Right-hander Bryse Wilson was recalled in a corresponding move to take Newcomb's place in the bullpen.

Newcomb struck out all three batters he faced in the seventh inning to record his first save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Nationals during the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

EDGE Analysis

With Will Smith and A.J. Minter both having pitched in the opener and Chris Martin (finger) unavailable, the save chance fell to Newcomb and he more than rose to the occasion. It's only his second career save, and given the depth of the Atlanta bullpen as well as his own erratic track record, Newcomb seems unlikely to get another in 2021. If he continues to fan batters however -- all five of his outs in his first two appearances this season have been strikeouts -- Newcomb could work himself into a high-leverage role.

Newcomb has made three Grapefruit League appearances since rejoining Atlanta earlier this month after clearing COVID-19 protocols, covering three innings and giving up no runs on two hits and no walks while striking out three.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb hasn't recorded more than four outs in any of his appearances, suggesting Atlanta is viewing him as a reliever after he made four unsuccessful starts for the big club in 2020. Since Newcomb still has a minor-league option remaining, he may have a tough time winning a spot in Atlanta's Opening Day bullpen even though he's come on strong of late.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said Saturday that Newcomb will be away from the team after a potential exposure to somebody with COVID-19, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb hasn't tested positive for COVID-19, but he'll be away from camp as a precautionary measure to prevent potential exposure within the clubhouse. It's not yet clear when he'll be cleared to return, but he should still have plenty of time to prepare for the start of the regular season if he continues to test negative.

The Braves optioned Newcomb to their alternate training site Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Though Atlanta brought Newcomb up from the alternate site Saturday to provide a multi-inning option out of the bullpen for the final two games of its series with the Nationals, the lefty went unused in both contests. He'll now lose out on his spot on the 28-man active roster with Atlanta bringing up Touki Toussaint to make a spot start in Monday's series opener in Baltimore.

Newcomb was recalled by Atlanta on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb had a rough start to the season and spent just over a month at the team's alternate training site as a result. He'll take on a bullpen role in the coming games after the Braves relied heavily on their bullpen recently, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. Robbie Erlin was designated for assignment in a corresponding move, and it's unclear who could claim his spot in the rotation.

Newcomb was optioned to the Braves' alternate site after Monday's game against the Phillies, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb did not give his team a chance Monday, allowing eight runs on six hits -- including two home runs -- over 1.1 innings. His ERA now sits at 11.20 through 13.2 innings, and the Braves have decided to make do with their other options rather than turn back to Newcomb the next time through the rotation. Manager Brian Snitker indicated the team is leaning toward bringing up a prospect to replace Newcomb.

Newcomb (0-1) allowed two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out four over 4.2 innings in a loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

This qualifies as a step forward for Newcomb after he was rocked for six runs in 4.1 innings against the Mets last week, but it still was not a particularly impressive outing. He induced just seven swinging strikes and could not get through five on 92 pitches. Newcomb is best suited for bullpen duty, but with Mike Soroka (Achilles) out for the year and Cole Hamels (triceps) still sidelined indefinitely, the Braves don't have much of a choice but to trot Newcomb out there every fifth day.

Newcomb allowed six runs on six hits and one walk while striking out four over 4.1 innings in Friday's win against the Mets. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

After putting together a solid outing and picking up a no-decision in his season debut, Newcomb was far less effective against the Mets. However, a late rally by the Braves allowed the 27-year-old to avoid being charged with his first loss of 2020. The southpaw has now given up seven runs with a 5:3 K:BB over 7.2 innings to begin the year. His next start should come at home Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Newcomb pitched 3.1 innings, allowing one run on three hits and two walks while striking out one in a no-decision versus the Mets on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

If he didn't have workload limitations, Newcomb could have had an easy win as the Braves shellacked the Mets 14-1 in the contest. The 27-year-old southpaw will instead settle for a decent debut to his 2020 campaign. He'll likely be limited again when he gets a rematch with the Mets on Friday.