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.

Newcomb will start Sunday against the Mets, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb was battling for a rotation spot during camp, and he'll serve as the starter for the team's third game of the season. However, Newcomb should face an innings limit over his first couple turns through the rotation as the team attempts to use caution with their starters to begin the season. The southpaw posted a 3.16 ERA and 65:29 K:BB over 68.1 innings in 55 appearances (four starts) with the Braves last season.

Newcomb appears to be manager Brian Snitker's first choice for the No. 5 rotation spot, Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw served up two homers during Thursday's intrasquad game but still drew praise for his performance from Snitker, and with Cole Hamels potentially not up to speed by Opening Day, Newcomb's spot in the rotation appears fairly secure. He's still unlikely to toss five innings in his first turn or two, however, as the team plans to use a piggyback system at the back of its rotation.

Newcomb will compete for the final spot in the Braves' rotation with Felix Hernandez opting out of the 2020 season, Charles Odum of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The big southpaw had a 2.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 11:2 K:BB in nine innings during spring training. Newcomb will be competing primarily with Kyle Wright, but Bryse Wilson could also factor in. Even if Newcomb doesn't open the year in the rotation, he will be stretched out enough to piggyback starters whose workloads need to be managed, so he could pick up some wins regardless of his role.

General manager Alex Anthopolous said Wednesday that the Braves will be cautious with their starters, limiting them to 2-4 innings their first couple times through the rotation, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Anthopolous is the first GM to make such a declaration, but it's not a significant surprise there will be only a few weeks of official build-up for the start of the 60-game season. Newcomb was competing for the No. 5 spot in the starting rotation before the suspension of spring training, but both hurlers may now factor into the equation, at least for a few turns through the rotation.

Newcomb, Mike Foltynewicz and Mike Soroka were all able to pitch against live hitters this week, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

In an interview with Foltynewicz, the right-hander indicated the trio has been getting together regularly to play catch and keep arms loose at a high school near the players' homes in the Atlanta area, but Tuesday they were joined by Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies and Charlie Culberson. Each pitcher tossed three simulated innings of about 15 pitches against his teammates, a step up in intensity from the twice-a-week bullpens each has been throwing. Foltynewicz estimated he and the other pitchers in the group are 75-80 percent stretched out and would need about two weeks of a second training camp to be ready for the regular season, whenever it might begin. Newcomb, who was locked in a battle with Felix Hernandez for the No. 5 starter spot when spring training was suspended, would likely be a key part of the Atlanta staff in a compacted schedule even if he isn't getting a regular turn in the rotation.

Newcomb allowed three hits and two walks over four scoreless innings while striking out four in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Facing a lineup that included plenty of experienced big leaguers, if not the Yankees' top stars, Newcomb breezed through his four frames, letting only one baserunner even reach second base. The southpaw has posted a 2.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and impressive 11:2 K:BB through nine innings to put himself at the front of the pack in the race for one of Atlanta's open rotation spots.