Before practice the next day, a steady stream of teammates dropped by Tommy’s clubhouse cubicle to rub elbows with their ace pitcher.
“You were awesome last night, man,” Bucky said, delivering a high-five. “You’re unhittable these days. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“So, why did they take me out?” Tommy asked. “Do you know anything about that?”
The catcher just shrugged. “I’m in the dark on that, too.”
Davey Concannon soon provided the answer, delivering news that was part shocking, part joyous, and part bittersweet.
“Congratulations, Tommy, you’re getting a promotion.”
Tommy’s smile stretched from ear to ear. “To Gwinnett?” he asked, hoping to jump Double-A for the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate.
“Close. You won’t be far away,” the manager said coyly. “Son, you’ve been called up t
