The Atlanta Braves have had issues finding consistency in their starting rotation. Maybe it’s time to think outside the box in order to solve their pitching problems.
Before we get too far into the idea, let’s discuss what an opener is. A recent discussion helped to develop the criteria for an opener:
- Determine if we have an opener. This pitcher must start the game and have either at most 2 innings pitched (6 outs), or at most 9 batters faced.
- Determine if we have a headliner. This pitcher must meet two criteria:
- Length of appearance: At least 4 innings pitched (12 outs), or at least 18 batters faced
- Order of appearance: They are the first reliever, OR they are the second reliever, but the first reliever entered mid-inning, and the second reliever started the following inning
So now that we know what an opener is, is this something the Atlanta Braves should consider employing given their rotation trouble?
It may be worth a shot, outside of Max Fried and Ian Anderson, only one starting pitcher has went six innings in a game this season. Not only are they not going deep into games, they haven’t proven to be effective either.
Max Fried and Ian Anderson are 8-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 12 starts, while nine other Atlanta starters have a a combined 7.67 ERA in 30 starts and a 1-10 record (1-11 barring a big Braves comeback tonight). Those nine average 3 2/3 innings per start.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) September 9, 2020The three games since David O’Brien’s tweet haven’t been any better. Tommy Milone, Robbie Erlin, and Josh Tomlin all have given up at least five runs and haven’t thrown more than four innings.
Remarkably, the Atlanta Braves have won two of the three games in that stretch and are remarkably 28-19 despite the starting pitching problems they have faced in 2020.
The strength of Atlanta’s lineup and phenomenal bullpen helps cover up the issues with the rotation. Yet, the Braves probably don’t want to go into the playoffs with so many questions in the rotation.
Maybe going to the opener is the answer the Braves need to fix their pitching problem.