Foltynewicz said pitching two innings of relief was beneficial. He said his confidence remains high after the strong spring.

“Got to go look off that and feel what I was feeling during spring training, which I’m not too far off of it right now,” he said.

Foltynewicz was an intriguing prospect when the Braves acquired him from the Astros in January, 2015, as part of the Evan Gattis trade. Much of his potential was because of his size (6-4, 220) and powerful arm (up to 100 mph as a rookie in 2014).

He had a promising start to the 2015 season before struggling with inconsistency. That season ended in September for Foltynewicz when blood clots were discovered in his throwing shoulder. He had surgery to remove part of a rib under the shoulder and was still recovering when spring training began in 2016.

Foltynewicz finished 2016 on a positive note and followed it up with a healthy and effective spring. But the Braves are still waiting for him to tap his potential.

“He’s still a maturing, growing pitcher,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “I think the more confidence he gets and belief in himself, the better he’s going to be. Because we all know he’s got the weapons. He just needs to put it all together and do it.”