ATLANTA — Spencer Strider knows regular season performance won’t translate into postseason success.
The pitcher, who is in his third year in MLB, achieved great things in the major leagues this season. He was selected to his first All-Star Game and led the majors in wins (20) and strikeouts (281). The latter set a Braves single-season record in the modern era (post-1900). Still, the right-hander, who will start Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Phillies on Saturday at Trust Park, knows he and the Braves must make a showing in the playoffs.
“We did a lot of good things in the regular season,” Strider said. “Some of that will be carried over in some way, but most of it won’t be carried over. So this is refreshing in a way. And, like I said, we’re going to have a meaningful, energetic baseball game. I’m excited to play and play.”
Atlanta hopes to avoid an early postseason exit like last year’s NLDS vs. the Phillies, when the Strider suffered a nightmarish bottom of the third inning in Game 3 at Citizens Bank Park. Manager Brian Snitker expected the right-hander to pitch four innings, even though he strained his left oblique muscle in a Sept. 18 game against Philadelphia and missed the mound only twice. was.
That wish didn’t come true, as the Phillies went after Stryder in the third inning after allowing five runs. His average fastball velocity was 98.4 mph in the first two innings, but dropped to 96.4 mph in the third.
“I think he’s very prepared, especially after what he went through last year. It was a tough situation for him,” Snitker said. “So I think he’s probably really excited to get this opportunity when he’s healthy and well-rested and ready.”
Strider continued his rise to become one of the best pitchers in baseball this year. Last season, he relied heavily on his four-seam fastball, using it 67 percent of the time, the most of any MLB starting pitcher (minimum 1,500 pitches). This season, his usage rate has dropped to 58.7% (fourth-highest in MLB, minimum 1,500 pitches) as he leans more toward sliders and changeups.
The four-seamer remains his go-to pitch. He used the machine this season to strike out 123 batters (a first in the majors), but also allowed 17 home runs (tied for sixth in MLB). However, his slider is his most effective strikeout pitch, posting a 33.5% put-away rate (his career high), and his changeup produces soft contact outs (21 field out, average ball speed of 74.2 mph).
“It’s just stuff. I mean, it’s just power,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “This is an electrifying fastball — 96-99. [mph] — Your slider is your weapon, and now you’re throwing changeups and strikes to left-handed batters. So you have that combination and he’s a difficult bear to deal with at times. ”
Needless to say, Strider pitched his best against the Phillies when healthy. He was 8-0 in eight regular-season appearances (seven starts) against Philadelphia, with 72 strikeouts and 10 walks in 47 1/3 innings and a 1.90 ERA.
Returning to Citizens Bank Park for the first time since last year’s NLDS, he showed off a triple-digit fastball and a strikeout slider. In his June 20 start, he had nine strikeouts and allowed one run in six innings.
Strider also started against the Phillies on September 13, helping the Braves win their sixth straight NL East title. He threw 36 pitches in the first inning, chasing one run, but settled on just 74 pitches from the second to seventh innings. The right-hander did not allow any more runs and recorded nine strikeouts.
Bolstered by the historic Braves offense, Strider will start Game 1, with Max Fried returning from the injured list to start Game 2. With an off day between Games 1 and 2, the Braves can also use Strider while getting regular rest. Possibility of Game 4 or Game 5.
“[The playoffs are] It’s a very energetic environment,” Strider said. “So things happen quickly. The ability to slow down the pace of the game and focus on what you have to do to be successful and not let the environment dictate your thought process or approach. [is key].
“So I think everyone’s very confident in their routines and their preparation. And they’re using the adrenaline and energy of the postseason to kind of help in that process instead of trying to avoid it.” I think you want to.”
Strider’s second postseason appearance will be a bright spot, but the turnaround this time means the strikeout artist is healthy and improving.