Three Cuts: Braves rotation getting healthy and that much more intriguing

After getting burned for a 7.11 ERA in a three-game sweep vs. the Phillies, the Braves rotation — which was down Mike Foltynewicz, Kevin Gausman and Mike Soroka in Philadelphia — stood tall during the six-games at SunTrust Park. Atlanta starters put together a 1.29 ERA in 35 innings vs. the Cubs and Marlins and is that much closer to full strength.

Kevin Gausman is back, tossing seven scoreless innings in his season debut vs. the Marlins, Foltynewicz is likely one more start at Triple-A Gwinnett from his return and Mike Soroka looks like he won’t be long for Atlanta after after five hitless innings with seven strikeouts in his debut for the Stripers.

The recent success and those reinforcements begs the question as to how exactly Snitker is going to utilize his rotation options outside of Foltynewicz, Gausman and Julio Teheran over the coming weeks?

Sean Newcomb — in a crucial outing with proverbial footsteps behind him — turned things around after a rocky second inning Sunday with seven innings in which he allowed four hits and two runs, and if his spot was ever tenuous, it’s feeling less like after Sunday.

Then there’s Fried, who may be the most intriguing arm in the Braves staff, as he now has a 2.54 ERA in 10 career starts compared to 3.80 in his 16 relief appearances.

That ERA is the third-best since 1990 for any pitcher through the first 10 starts of his career.

He’s due a longer look in the role and is scheduled to make a start Tuesday at Coors Field — where his ability to throw that looping curveball will be tested — which is the same day Foltynewicz will make his next, and presumably last, rehab appearance.

Between Fried, Kyle Wright (two earned runs over six innings vs. the Marlins on Saturday) Soroka, who may be hard to keep down if he keeps this up, Touki Toussaint and Bryse Wilson, this was always going to be a fluid situation and of benefit in using the final spot in the rotation as a shuttle service between Atlanta and Gwinnett.

But what if Fried can maintain this level of production? How long of a leash will he have in the starting five?

As the mainstays return, finding opportunities for those young arms may prove the biggest challenge and the biggest luxury for Snitker.

Jason Getz Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports