Spencer Schwellenbach has emerged as a standout pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, recording a 3.6 career fWAR across 192 innings. His performance reveals a significant disparity in how he fares against right-handed and left-handed batters, particularly concerning the times through the order penalty. While he excels against righties, there’s notable decline against lefties, especially in later innings, where his home run ratios spike. The narrative unfolds around his complex mix of six pitches, showcasing his adaptability early in games but leading to struggles later. Coaching strategists may need to rethink how they deploy him in games based on these findings.
By the Numbers
- 3.6 career fWAR in 192 innings pitched
- 81 ERA- and 87 FIP- relative to league average
Yes, But
Despite his success against right-handed batters, Schwellenbach’s effectiveness diminishes noticeably against lefties, indicating a need for further development in his pitching strategy. While he has a diverse pitch arsenal, the pitch selection against lefties in later innings has been less effective.
State of Play
- Schwellenbach’s 1TTO performance exceeds league averages, while his 3TTO drops significantly.
- He struggles with home runs allowed when facing lefties in the second and third times through the order.
What’s Next
Future games should involve closer monitoring of Schwellenbach’s usage patterns against left-handed batters, potentially adjusting game strategies to minimize late-game exposure. The Braves may consider alternative matchups in high-stakes situations to leverage his strengths.
Bottom Line
Schwellenbach is a highly skilled pitcher, particularly against right-handed hitters, but he must improve his strategy against lefties to become a more complete starter. Addressing these weaknesses could elevate his overall effectiveness and impact on the team.
