Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker decided to have his ace pitch on the road in Game 3 of the upcoming NLDS series and it could cost them their season.
Atlanta Braves rookie starter Mike Soroka was dominant all season and was in contention for the Rookie of the Year AND the Cy Young, as he went 13-4 but he isn’t starting in either of the first two games.
Brian Snitker decided to go with Dallas Keuchel in Game 1, which is a good decision but it was his Game 2 starter that is just not smart.
Mike Foltynewicz is starting Game 2 against Jack Flaherty which would presumably line him up for a Game 5 win or go home start in Atlanta if necessary.
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Snitker said that his decision to pitch Soroka in Game 3 was because of his home to road splits. Game 3 is, of course, being played on the road at Busch Stadium.
At home, the Braves ace ERA is 4.14 with an opponent slugging percentage of .420 while on the road his ERA is 1.55 and the slugging percentage is at .273.
But this is the postseason and I think all of that should go out the window when it comes to your ace. Soroka pitching Game 3 means he is only starting in one game the entire series while if he was slotted for Game 2 he would be able to start the win or go home Game 5 on regular rest.
Another big factor to why Soroka should pitch Game 2 is because of Jack Flaherty, the Cardinals ace is pitching that game. So, essentially the Atlanta Braves are letting the Cardinals take Game 2 instead of having their ace out there to give them a better chance of winning the game.
I know it might not seem like much but Soroka pitching in Game 3 could decide who moves onto play in the National League Championship Series.