In recent days, Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker outlined what he would like to see his team's rotation look like if the team gets beyond the National League Wild Card Round.
Right-hander Ian Anderson would slot between Game-Three starter Cole Hamels & series opener Max Fried, leaving many wondering where Atlanta would turn for Game Four. Snitker has said publicly that righty Kyle Wright's recent improvement has earned him the nod, but as we've seen throughout this season, all pitching plans are subject to change.
Two members of the Batter Up! Podcast have made the argument that Huascar Ynoa, despite not going deep in games he's started, provides a better option.
"If I have Kyle Wright starting a game, I know I'm going to have to come from behind," Caleb Johnson said. "I feel like you have enough bullpen arms to get you through those middle innings and Ynoa can keep in a ballgame and you don't feel like you have to rally."
Joe Patrick credits Ynoa for his development since his debut last year. "It's not even that close between the stuff these guys are showing," Patrick said. "It's more difficult for batters to face a guy like Ynoa than it is to face Wright."
Will Palaszczuk remains the lone supporter for Wright, saying, "I just think in the playoffs, you need length. With Wright I have less of a chance of wondering whether I have to mortgage my bullpen for the rest of the series." Wright tied a season high throwing six innings in his last start, allowing just three runs for his first Major League win against the Nationals on Sunday.
Palaszczuk conceded that if the Braves had a chance to clinch or it was a decisive game, he'd be more open to using Ynoa as an opener, but also sees Snitker using the 22-year-old in the same manner Indians manager Terry Francona used reliever Andrew Miller in the 2016 postseason. Miller went through the postseason that year as high-leverage reliever who provided Cleveland with multiple-inning efforts in his ten postseason appearances.
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