Desperate Phillies, Braves turn to unsavory pitching options for Game 3
New York Post • • sports
Key Points:
- The Phillies will start veteran Aaron Nola, who has a 5.14 ERA over his last 50 starts, instead of ace Zack Wheeler on short rest in the NL wild-card series against the Braves.
- Wheeler was used on short rest to secure the Phillies' playoff spot and is unlikely to start; he may be used as a reliever despite limited experience in that role.
- The Braves will open with reliever Ray Kerr, who recently returned to the majors after a 26-month absence and joined the team in August.
- Kerr's usage aims to reduce the number of times starter Grant Holmes faces the Phillies lineup, as Holmes struggles significantly the second time through the order.
- Kerr's journey from working at 7-Eleven and an IMAX theater to pitching in the majors at age 27 has been highlighted as an inspirational story.
