How the Atlanta Braves should handle the NLDS rotation

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 09: Mike Foltynewicz #26 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 7-2. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Folty’s rebirth and Soroka’s consistency

Mike Foltynewicz is who we thought it was- it appears that he’s regained his 2018 form, and at the best time possible. He should be the Atlanta Braves game two starter.

His recent hot streak cannot be ignored. He looks focused and he’s got the Folty game face of old. A demotion to the minor leagues seemed to have done the trick. The Atlanta Braves didn’t rush him back and it’s proving to be the right move.

Since August 17, Folty has made seven starts. In those seven starts he’s allowed just seven runs, including a sparkling 0.69 ERA in September.

With Folty likely set up for one final start against the New York Mets, he’s got a chance to finish the season with as strong of an eight start stretch as we’ve seen in his career.

A three-hit, eight inning performance where he was throwing darts past the San Francisco Giants cannot be highlighted enough – he struck out seven batters and walked just one.

A focused Folty with the slider working is a fearsome sight for any team in the postseason, and it’s a sight that opposing teams will need to see if the Atlanta Braves are to make a deep playoff run.

The most unpopular part of this piece may be that I have Mike Soroka slotted in the third spot in the postseason rotation. This is no disrespect – not in the least – but it’s based off one little split that to me, has big meaning.

Soroka’s home earned run average comes in at 4.14. His road era comes in at a ridiculously good mark of 1.35. He’s made 13 starts at home and 15 on the road; but for whatever reason, he’s had a penchant for getting dinged up a bit at Suntrust Park.

Now, that aside, Soroka has had a brilliant 2019, but I think he’s better suited to start the third game – whether it’s a elimination game, a game to take the series lead, or a game to advance to the NLDS.

For those of you that feel like he should start game one, game three is likely to be one of the most important games of the series. On top of all that, St. Louis has been much tougher at home. That’s another reason why I gave him the nod here.

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