This … might not be the best time for the best stretch of the season for the Atlanta Braves. But they’re doing it, and it’s undeniably more to fun to watch these days.
Joey Wentz gets the start for Atlanta. His overall season numbers are rough, headlined by a 5.56 ERA, but the peripherals are a little better. His xFIP is 4.58, and his FIP is 4.11. The main difference is cause by his HR/FB rate being below 10%. There’s not really any reason to think that’ll continue, as he hasn’t done that in his career.
Statcast splits the difference. Coward.
Wentz used his change more heavily in his last start, and it’s something to keep an eye on today.
Keider Montero takes the hill for Detroit. Montero has an ERA about a run better, but the peripherals put his overall performance closer to Wentz’s. The righty doesn’t strike out a lot of guys, and he walks almost a full better fewer per 9 than our lefty. There’s a few more groundballs as well.
Statcast thinks he’s worse.
As for the repertoire, he does with a pretty standard repertoire.
It’s probably part of the reason he doesn’t strike out a lot of guys. By Stuff+, his sinker and slider are his best pitches, and he might be better served leaning on them a bit more.
Game Notes
Time: Saturday, September 20th at 1:10 pm EST
Location: Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
TV: FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast
Streaming: MLB.tv
Radio: 80 AM/93.7 FM The Fan
