I would probably stick with AJ. But what Doc [Dave Roberts] did this postseason was super impressive. So I would give it a 1A and 1B, because everybody talks about the rosters that Doc has had, and yes, he has unbelievable talent. But what he did this postseason - and honestly the previous one, too, with how he navigated that Padres series - I give him a whole ton of respect.
Now granted, Brian Snitker didn't really use him as an opener more than he did as a "Guy who can just go out and pitch until the wheels fall off in the third inning" but still, Blewett goes down as one of the many, many pitchers who took part in the cavalcade that was Atlanta's deployment of pitchers in 2025. Now it's time to take a look at how Blewett's short stint ended up going for him here in Atlanta.
The right shortstop could play 150+ games (well I guess we're all about that club 162, though right?), hit above average and field at least average shortstop level. The Braves lineup looked much better with Ha-Seong Kim rather than the more offensively-challenged group of Nick Allen, Orlando Arcia, and Luke Williams (although Vidal Brujan was decent). The right shortstop could add two or as many as eight wins to a playoff-adjacent team.
"They've been really good with my innings and my pitch counts since the start of the year," Smith said after the 80-pitch outing. "Making sure you're doing everything behind the scenes in the weight room and training room and all that stuff. Making sure you're ready every five, six days, whatever it is."
A White Sox starting pitcher has not thrown more than five innings since Aug. 2, indicating a significant struggle for the starting rotation. The bullpen has been under increased strain due to the starters' inefficiencies.
The Braves are obsessed with covering innings. Brian Snitker talks about it... The pitchers themselves talk about it, and I have no trouble believing that guys like Elder have internalized the messaging.
