Tonight marks Julio Teherán’s second start as an opposing player at Truist Park and his third time facing his former team since departing Atlanta to join the Los Angeles Angels after the 2019 season.
Since 2020, Teherán has also played for the Detroit Tigers and the Milwaukee Brewers, and now he’s making his debut with the division rival New York Mets. During his time with the Brewers, Teherán faced the Braves twice in the 2023 season, experiencing losses in both games (4-2 in Milwaukee and 5-11 in Atlanta).
Charlie Morton, who is starting his second game of the regular season, coincidentally crossed paths with Teherán in the Braves system. This sets up an intriguing matchup between these former teammates and seasoned veterans of the game.
Teherán was a key figure in the Braves organization, securing two All-Star appearances since his major league debut in 2011. He notably served as the starting pitcher for the Braves on Opening Day for six consecutive years and remained with the team throughout their rebuilding phase from 2014 to 2018.
In 2014 and 2016, Julio Teherán had standout performances, earning him All-Star recognition. Despite the Braves’ challenges in 2014, Teherán showcased his skills with his lowest ERA, highest strikeout count, and his first All-Star appearance with the team.
His final game with Atlanta was a memorable yet disappointing outing in the NLDS Game 5 against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he performed well despite the team’s overall defeat.
Since leaving the Braves, Teherán has faced difficulties maintaining a stable position with other teams, encountering obstacles such as COVID-19, injuries, and a decline in performance. His tenure with the Angels in 2020 was marred by struggles, including a high ERA in ten starts.
His stint with the Tigers in 2021 was brief, with only one game played. In 2022, he played in the Mexican league before finding some success in Milwaukee after a brief period in San Diego’s minor league system. In Milwaukee, he posted a 3-5 record with a 4.40 ERA in 14 games.
After signing a minor league contract with the Orioles during spring training, Teherán’s career received a boost when the Mets signed him to a $2.5 million deal to address their pitching needs following injuries to their rotation.
While Teherán’s return to Atlanta with the Mets evokes some melancholy, it adds a sentimental touch to today’s game, particularly for fans who fondly remember his contributions during his time with the Braves.
