teheran’s time?

Atlanta Braves officials and fans alike have to be encouraged by Julio Teheran’s recent outings in the Dominican Winter League. The former Mississippi Braves right-hander from Colombia threw five hitless innings for Licey on Tuesday and has allowed just one hit in his last two starts (10 2/3 innings). Overall, he is 2-1 with a 4.01 ERA in six DWL starts. With former M-Braves Tommy Hanson traded and Brandon Beachy recovering from Tommy John surgery, Atlanta may have a rotation spot to fill this spring, and the hard-throwing Teheran will no doubt get an opportunity. He has made seven big league appearances, with middling results, and had a wobbly 2012 season at Triple-A Gwinnett, going 7-9, 5.08. He is capable of so much better. He blew through three levels of minor league ball in 2010, finishing 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA in seven starts for the Double-A M-Braves, and was lights out at Gwinnett in 2011. He’s only 21 (22 in January). But this may be his time. P.S. Yunel Escobar. Traded. Again. From Miami to Tampa Bay. For a minor leaguer. Not a good sign for the enigmatic ex-M-Braves shortstop.