The ongoing struggles of Jonny Venters presents a big problem for the Atlanta Braves as they close in on the July 31 trade deadline. Venters entered a one-run ball game on Wednesday and promptly allowed two runs to score one on a wild pitch and another on a home run by Jeff Baker.
Fredi Gonzalez talked about Venters after the game and didn't elaborate on what he thought was ailing the young pitcher but rather insisted that there will be better days ahead.
"Well, you've got to feel like you have confidence in the young man and you feel like you see some good outings [like] last night. You feel like yo can get him over the hump, put him in situations where you think he's going to be successful, and then keep going forward. If we don't get him right, and I'm not even talking about last year right, just a good left-handed arm out of the bullpen, we're going to be up against it. We'll keep working. He's got a good frame of mind, and he's working with Roger. And we'll keep going."
Atlanta has been rumored to be pursuing a starting pitcher like Chicago's Matt Garza or Milwaukee's Zack Greinke. However, Venters struggles could eventually leave the Braves with a giant hole in their bullpen which may not be something that easily fixed at the trade deadline.