Braves’ Mike Foltynewicz has part of rib removed to treat blood clots

Blood clots have sidelined Atlanta right-hander Mike Foltynewicz, one of the team’s highly regarded pitching prospects.

Foltynewicz had the front part of his first rib removed Monday in a procedure performed at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia.

The Braves Assistant General Manager, John Coppolella told Braves beat writer Mark Bowman that the cause of this is unknown, but the doctors have reason to believe it was related to Foltynewicz recent DL stint. He said the team is “trying to evaluate really where to go from here”. He last pitched on August 25 against the Colorado Rockies. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on September 2 because of costochondritis, or inflammation of cartilage near the ribs.

Kevin McAlpin of Braves Radio Network indicates Foltynewicz’s absence over the past two weeks isn’t connected to the blood clots.

Foltynewicz is 4-6 with a 5.71 ERA in 15 starts this season. They acquired him as the centerpiece of a January trade in which they sent catcher Evan Gattis to the Astros.