Braves rookie Foltynewicz hospitalized with blood clots in arm

Atlanta Braves rookie starter Mike Foltynewicz was hospitalized over the weekend after blood clots were discovered in his right arm, the team announced on Sunday.

Foltynewicz, who has not pitched since Aug. 25 while dealing with pneumonia, felt discomfort on Thursday night and arrived at Turner Field on Friday afternoon with redness and swelling around his right arm. The 24-year-old pitcher was immediately taken to Piedmont Hospital, where he continues to be monitored and treated with blood thinners.

"Our first and foremost thoughts are just for his health and that he is OK," assistant general manager John Coppolella told reporters on Sunday. "As we keep going through this, we should learn more going forward."

The cause of the clots is not yet known, though the team said it was not related to his pneumonia.

The Braves were planning to use Foltynewicz, who was acquired in the Evan Gattis trade with the Houston Astros, out of the bullpen at some point in the final four series of the year.

While bouncing between Triple-A Gwinnett and the major-league club, Foltynewicz struggled with control issues during his rookie campaign. He's posted a 5.71 ERA in 86 2/3 innings pitched with 15 of his 18 appearances coming in the starting rotation.