Newcomb is considered a "leading candidate" for one of the two remaining openings in the Braves' Opening Day rotation, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Only one spot appeared to be up for grabs entering spring training, but another has since opened up with Cole Hamels (shoulder) bound for the injured list after having yet to even initiate a throwing program. Kyle Wright, Bryse Wilson and Touki Toussaint also remain in the mix for starting jobs along with non-roster invitee Felix Hernandez, but Newcomb is viewed as a frontrunner for a back-end rotation spot based on his performance so far this spring, as well as his more extensive work at the big-league level than the other three young arms. After submitting an up-and-down outing in his spring debut, Newcomb bounced back in impressive fashion Monday, permitting only two hits and no walks over three innings while fanning three.

Newcomb got the start in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, allowing two runs on three hits over two innings with four strikeouts, Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw had a rough first inning, as both runs came home after a passed ball and wild pitch, but he rebounded to strike out the side in the second. Newcomb is in the mix for one of the two available spots in Atlanta's Opening Day rotation, but his success last year after being moved to the bullpen could mean he's only being stretched out this spring in case the team's other options for the rotation falter.

Newcomb will stretch out this offseason to compete for a spot in Atlanta's starting rotation in spring training, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander began 2019 in the Braves' starting rotation, but he was shipped to Triple-A after surrendering six runs in 12.1 innings over his first three starts. Newcomb returned to the majors in May and pitched out of the bullpen the rest of the season -- though he did make one spot start -- and delivered a 2.89 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 60:21 K:BB across 56 frames as a reliever. Whether the Braves make any free-agent acquisitions will also factor into Newcomb's chances of cracking the 2020 rotation.

Newcomb will work out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb has worked out of the bullpen for much of the season, though with Max Fried (finger) currently on the injured list the team's rotation is a bit shorthanded. For the season, Newcomb has made 29 total appearances -- 25 as a reliever -- and managed a 2.23 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP to go along with 39 strikeouts across 44.1 innings.

Newcomb (3-1) issued two walks and struck out two in a scoreless inning, earning the win in Saturday's extra-inning win over the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb's scoreless ninth inning put him in line for the victory when the Braves put three runs on the board in the tenth. The reliever has 36 strikeouts in 41 innings to go with a 2.41 ERA and 1.34 WHIP this year. Closer Luke Jackson has allowed one run in each of his two appearances to start the second half of the season -- Newcomb may receive a chance to close out a game if Jackson's struggles persist. Newcomb has one save and nine holds in his 26 appearances this season.

Newcomb gave up two hits and struck out two in a scoreless seventh inning Tuesday to record his seventh hold of the season in a win over the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw was pitching for the first time since June 15, after he took a line drive off the back of his head and subsequently landed on the IL with a concussion. Newcomb will remain part of Atlanta's setup crew for now, but his ability to work multiple innings does give manager Brian Snitker some flexibility in late-game situations.

Newcomb was activated from the 7-day concussion injured list Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb has been out of action since taking a line drive to the back of his head June 15. He's expected to pitch out of the bullpen going forward. Chad Sobotka was optioned to clear a spot for him on the roster.

Newcomb (concussion) is expected to come off the 7-day IL prior to Tuesday's game against the Cubs, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw struck out five batters in two scoreless innings during a rehab appearance for Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday, and apparently won't need any further tuneup before rejoining the Atlanta bullpen. Newcomb has a 2.12 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 29:12 K:BB through 34 innings this season.

Manager Brian Snitker said Sunday that he expects to keep Newcomb (concussion) in a relief role when the southpaw is reinstated from the 7-day injured list, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb shined in his rehab outing Saturday with Triple-A Gwinnett, striking out five over two scoreless, one-hit frames. Though Newcomb is on track to return from the IL on Tuesday and the Braves have a need for a fifth starter beginning with Thursday's game against Chicago after Mike Foltynewicz was demoted to Triple-A, Bryse Wilson and Touki Toussaint are viewed as more likely candidates to enter the rotation. Since rejoining the Braves in early May, Newcomb has posted an impressive 0.83 ERA and 24:4 K:BB in 21.2 innings across 17 appearances, all but one of which came out of the bullpen.

Newcomb (concussion) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Newcomb hasn't played since getting hit by a line drive last Saturday. He appears to be making progress in his return from a concussion and should be ready to return to Atlanta soon.