If there is one constant in the Braves ever-changing pitching staff, it is the play of their catchers A.J. Pierzynski and Tyler Flowers.
The duo has provided veteran leadership and accountability to a staff that is young on talent. Players like John Gant, Matt Wisler and Mike Foltynewicz have played better and gained more confidence working alongside the catchers.
“With the younger guys, you try to keep it a little more simple,” Pierzynski said. “We don’t change a whole lot as we try to keep everything consistent and let these guys fit in and do what they do.”
One way they keep it simple is by creating an established game plan. This is done by spending countless hours breaking down film of their opponent’s weakest areas before each game.
“We try to eliminate the need for them to worry about how to pitch guys and what this guy can hit and what they can’t hit,” Flowers said. “It is really that we want them to trust in us to do the homework and we will cover it from that aspect. We will try to steer you in the right direction with each individual hitter.”
Many pitchers, like Tyrell Jenkins, have raved about their preparation. Jenkins, a rookie, said Flowers was a big help in his first long-relief appearance. Jenkins replaced Gant on June 27 against the Indians, after he was removed with an left oblique strain.
“These guys are a good support behind me,” Jenkins said. “Flowers stuck with me back there and I just got to get better, fight and do better for these guys.”
On the field, the catchers have split their duties equally. Flowers has started 41 games and has a .997 fielding percentage. Pierzynski has been steady and started 38 games this season.
Each hopes to continue being a positive influence. Their main goal is to provide confidence to get better regardless of a good or bad outcome.
“We can pick out different things with all of our starters and I think they all had moments,” Flowers said. “I think it (the outcomes) will make them better over the long haul.”
