The Braves have shut down left hander Luiz Gohara for at least two weeks with an left ankle sprain which he suffered during fielding practice on Friday.
While X-rays were negative, Braves manager Brian Snitker told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Gohara was in a walking boot on Friday but that the injury was just a regular sprain.
While covering first base during fielding practice, Gohara stepped awkwardly on the base. It is the second injury to th 21-year-old who made five big league starts at the end of the 2017 season. He also dealt with a groin strain for a few weeks before being cleared for a scheduled start on Sunday prior to the injury.
Gohara now figures to miss out on a rotation spot to start the season. Once his ankle heals, Gohara will need some time to get stretched out again at the minor league level.
The injury to Gohara likely allows either Scott Kazmir or Max Fried to claim the final spot in the Braves rotation. Lucas Sims, Watt Wisler and Aaron Blair are also options for the Braves for their fifth rotation spot which will not be needed until April 10.
