Braves pitcher Julio Teheran is more confident heading into the year, according to MLB.com.
Teheran received strong praise from pitching coach Roger McDowell, who saw the young pitcher blossom into an ace last season. "I've seen him grow from when he came to [big league Spring Training] for the first time," McDowell said. "Where he is now, he's obviously got a different look. "He has that feeling like he belongs, and he's not as unsure of himself."
Teheran said getting the experience of logging innings in the majors was the biggest thing for his development last year. First baseman Freddie Freeman said Teheran shows no fear when on the mound. "His mentality is he doesn't care who you are," first baseman Freeman said. "If you're taking some good swings against him, he's going to come after you."
Teheran posted a 3.20 ERA in 185 2/3 innings last year. He'll start opening day for the Braves in 2014.