This might be the most fun game on paper for the rest of the Braves’ season
This might be the most fun game on paper for the rest of the Atlanta Braves’ season, as their one remaining quality starter in Spencer Strider faces off against flamethrowing rookie Chase Burns at Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s a really fun pitching matchup and is set to be the highest attendance game in MLB history. We will be treated to unique racing-themed uniforms and a unique setting that is sure to have some surprises.
Spencer Strider was a little shaky for a bit, but has hit his stride (no pun intended) and has found a way to be highly effective despite some moderately depleted (but still totally fine) velocity. His season xFIP is 3.73, but he’s been much better than that since early June. This level of success is pretty remarkable, since 90% of his pitches thrown are still four-seamer or slider. For him to still find this level of success as virtually a two pitch pitcher even with diminished velocity is quite unusual and impressive.
Chase Burns for the Reds has been a really fun rookie, even as BABIP luck has absolutely blown up his ERA to 6.26 through his first 27.1 innings, even as he rocks an impressive 2.54 xFIP and 3.02 FIP. It is no mystery as to why Burns received the highest signing bonus in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest, as he has extremely loud, explosive stuff from the right side. Burns actually shares some similarities to vintage Spencer Strider, as over 90% of his pitches thrown are his four-seamer and hard slider. While his extension is more average than Strider’s elite, his fastball averages 98.3 MPH and his slider averages 90.3, generating a ridiculous 44% whiff rate so far in the majors. He sprinkles in the occasional changeup and curveball, but is also generally a two-pitch pitcher. That explosive stuff has resulted in a massive 14.82 K/9 rate, though walks can be a bit of a challenge for the righty, at 3.95 BB/9. As far as the comparison with Strider, Burns is a bit taller, with more of a traditional pitcher body than Spencer and has a more vertical delivery, with an additional 10 degrees on his arm angle.
While the vibes are exceedingly low for Braves fans, this should be a real treat of a game this Saturday.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, August 2, 7:15 p.m. EDT
Location: Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN
TV: FOX
Streaming: MLB.tv
Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan