The Atlanta Braves had a decision to make between veteran Dallas Keuchel and a youngster in Mike Soroka to start Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.
In the end, Atlanta decided to go with the veteran and former Cy Young winner.
Experience and the understanding of season splits played a major role here.
While Soroka has pitched to a stellar 2.68 ERA and 1.11 WHIP this season, he’s performed much better on the road. The 22-year old has pitched to a 4.14 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP in 13 starts at SunTrust Park. He’s enjoying a 1.55/0.96 split on the road.
As it relates to Keuchel, he’s posted a solid 2.74/1.16 split at home and boasts a 5.01 ERA to go with a 1.63 WHIP on the road.
This does raise one question. Will Atlanta bypass Soroka for either Julio Teherán or Max Fried in Game 2 and allow him to start in St. Louis in Game 3?