The Atlanta Braves made a change to their plans on Saturday and have decided to start Sean Newcomb in Sunday’s elimination game.
Atlanta lost the first two games in the NLDS to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting shut out in both. Midseason acquisition Kevin Gausman was set to start in Game 3, but the team changed its mind and will have Newcomb make the start.
Braves manager Brian Snitker explained the decision, saying they like how Newcomb matches up with the Dodgers.
#Braves’ Snitker on pitching change decided upon today: “The situation is kind of dire right now. We need to win. And not that Gausman doesn't give us that opportunity. We like how Newcomb matches up with them and the success that he's had against the Dodgers this year.”
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 6, 2018
Gausman will still be available out of the bullpen if needed.
One big factor in the matchup difference is that Newcomb is a lefty, while Gausman is a right-hander. The Braves started two right-handers in the series. In Game 1, Mike Foltynewicz got punished with a 3-run home run from lefty Max Muncy, who has been hot. Dodgers leadoff hitter Joc Pederson, also a lefty, has a double and homer in the series.
Perhaps Snitker feels that starting Newcomb might lead the Dodgers to take Cody Bellinger, Muncy, or Pederson out of the lineup and start Chris Taylor or Matt Kemp instead. At the very least, he probably feels giving the Dodgers hitters a different look to make them more uncomfortable is worth a shot.
Newcomb was nails for the Braves in May and June. He was 8-5 with a 3.51 ERA before the All-Star break, but it’s been a different story since. The southpaw has gone 4-4 with a 4.58 ERA since the break. However, he pitched two scoreless innings in Game 1 of the series and shutout the Mets over five innings in his final start of the regular season. The Braves are hoping he can keep it going and help them avoid a sweep.
