There was a lot of speculation regarding how the Braves would approach Game 3 of the NLDS. Would they start their ace, rookie Spencer Strider, who is coming off an oblique injury? Or would they go with the savvy veteran in Charlie Morton? I’m not sure there was a wrong answer, but the Braves have decided to go with the rookie in hopes of gaining a leg up in the series tonight.
#Back2Battle pic.twitter.com/xLAVLv3IJF
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 14, 2022
Now, the question is how far Strider will be able to go. He hasn’t pitched since September 18th, so it’s possible the Braves are using him in an opener-type role. However, Strider’s exceeded expectations at every point this season, and I don’t think the team would be starting him if they were still worried about the injury, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he tossed six shutout innings with 10+ strikeouts. That’s just who he is, and he’s dominated the Phillies this season.
In four appearances (three starts) against Philadelphia this year, Spencer Strider is a perfect 4-0 with a 1.27 ERA and 14.3 K/9. He’s struck out over 40% of the batters he’s faced and barely broken a sweat doing it. We’ll see if the long layoff affects him, but Braves fans have to like their chances with him on the bump in Game 3.
—
Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.