After appearing in 27 games at AA-MIssissippi and AAA-Gwinnett in 2022, Darius Vines had high hopes for 2023. The Braves had high hopes for Vines, too, but injuries limited the 25 year-olds opportunities.
In his Major League debut, Vines was brilliant. He worked six innings, allowed four hits and two runs – IN COLORADO! Vines struck out five and walked one in a 7-3 win.
Limited action in 2023
Vines was 1-0 in Atlanta, making five appearances. He started twice, racked up 20.1 innings of work, and finished the season with a 3.98 ERA in his first season in the bigs. Vines is ripe for a big 2024, as indicated by the success he enjoyed with a 1.058 WHIP. He was a .2 WAR pitcher in very limited action.
On the farm, Darius was 3-2 this season. Vines made 10 appearances, starting nine games. He worked 49.1 innings, and allowed seven home runs in those appearances. Darius allowed just 13 earned runs and compiled a 2.37 ERA across three levels of the minors. The Braves and Vines have high hopes for 2024, with Vines being one among many in line to make starts when the new season begins.
It’s an interesting year for Vines. If he comes up and does well in his spot starts, he could solidify his spot in the back end of the rotation come 2025. If he doesn’t, he’ll be traded in August.