Spencer Strider gets the start on Sunday against the Tigers, as the Braves go for another sweep and their eighth straight win, a remarkable win streak at a time way past it mattering. Strider has had a mixed season, but has had a solid last two starts after some struggles, although perhaps with a different model of success than we are used to from Spencer. His fastball usage has taken a dive and he has started to meaningfully use his curveball and changeup, a start departure from his prior two-pitch
approach. That change is the kind of thing that makes me believe in Strider to be a highly effective pitcher, despite potential loss in velocity after his injuries. He’s a really cerebral guy and will work hard to maximize his effectiveness with whatever tools he has available to him. Here’s hoping Sunday can be another testament to that.
On the other side, the Tigers will be starting former number one overall pick Casey Mize. Now 28 years old, this has been Mize’s best season in the majors, but it’s been a 2.1 fWAR season on 137.0 innings with a 3.97 xFIP. It’s not really what the Tigers might have hoped for from Mize when they took him number 1 overall in the 2018 draft, but he’s turned into a fine mid/back of the rotation starter in the majors when he’s healthy. He gets the job done by limiting walks and mixing a five pitch arsenal with great extension. It’s not exactly an intimidating profile for a Braves’ offense that has been better of late.
This is a very winnable game for Atlanta, but the big things to watch for are strong performances from Strider to build some confidence moving forward and Drake Baldwin to boost his Rookie of the Year odds.
Game Notes
Time: Sunday, September 21st at 1:40 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
