Aug 16, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) throws a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at SunTrust Park. Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Braves right-hander Julio Teheran is set to make his sixth consecutive Opening Day start, which would tie him with Hall of Famer Warren Spahn for the longest modern-day streak in franchise history.
Spahn opened six seasons in a row from 1957 to 1962, when the team was in Milwaukee.
Teheran’s Opening Day streak is now the longest current one in the majors after the Los Angeles Dodgers said Monday that Clayton Kershaw’s streak of eight straight Opening Day starts will end due to his ailing left shoulder.
Atlanta’s Mike Foltynewicz, a 2018 All-Star, would likely have been the choice for Opening Day, but his throwing program has been set back this spring because of elbow soreness. Teheran got the nod over left-hander Sean Newcomb for the March 28 opener against visiting Philadelphia.
Teheran, 28, has spent all eight of his major league seasons with the Braves, compiling a 67-62 record with a 3.64 ERA. Teheran went 9-9 last season with a 3.94 ERA, striking out 162 and walking 84 in 175 2/3 innings over 31 starts.
Teheran was an All-Star in 2014 and 2016. The Braves are 2-3 when he starts on Opening Day.
