The Braves lost again on Monday night in brutal fashion, falling to the Brewers 1-0. Atlanta could only muster two hits and struck out 16 times, but they still had a chance to win thanks to a gem put together by Ian Anderson and Spencer Strider. The only run the Brewers were able to push across the plate came in the sixth inning on a pass ball with two outs.
The loss drops the Braves to 16-20 on the season, and the blows did not stop there. After the game, it was announced Tyler Matzek will hit the 10-day IL. He reportedly felt sore while throwing today.
Hopefully, this is simply a precautionary move, because Matzek is a vital piece to this team’s success.
Tucker Davidson will replace Matzek on the active roster and has been named the team’s starter for tomorrow.
We will see how Davidson performs against the Brewers. If he has success, perhaps he can fill the role of the fifth starter for the Braves. But if not, I expect Brian Snitker to turn to someone else, and it could be Spencer Strider, who they considered before learning of Matzek’s injury.
Strider has been unhittable more often than not out of the bullpen, but there’s a case to be made that he would be even more valuable as a starter. However, that possibility may have to be put on hold for the time being. With Matzek on the IL, Strider will become a primary option in high leverage relief situations.
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