During a recent Twitter Q-and-A with fans, Braves general manager John Coppolella said he believes right-hander Matt Wisler has regressed since a strong start to the season. Wisler’s recent results bear that out.
Wisler is set to face the Indians on Tuesday after posting a 7.59 ERA over his past four starts (21 1/3 innings). During that stretch opponents had a .392 on-base percentage against Wisler with 31 hits, including seven home runs, and he walked nine batters and struck out 13. Wisler had a 3.16 ERA and .265 OBP against in his first 11 games (10 starts) this season.
Yet the ups and downs also are not unexpected for Wisler, who is still only 23-years old and has made just 33 big-league starts. Interim manager Brian Snitker said he’s been encouraged that Wisler for the most part has managed to find a way to keep the Braves competitive in his starts even if he’s not been as sharp.
“As far as the adjustments he’s having to make and battle his way through—I like what I’ve seen,” Snitker said. “This guy doesn’t have a lot of major league starts under his belt yet. He’s still learning and working through things. I think he’s doing a really good job at it.”
Snitker cited Wisler’s start against the Reds on June 16. The Braves had a short bullpen after playing 13 innings the previous night. After a shaky start Wisler ended up going 6 2/3 innings with three runs allowed and the Braves won 4-3.
Wisler is one of six Braves pitchers 25 or younger to make a start this season and only one, Julio Teheran, had much experience before this season. Braves veteran Jeff Francoeur said part of their development is learning how to be effective when they aren’t sharp.
“That’s what pitchers have to do,” Francoeur said. “You try to talk to them, ‘Hey, you are not going to always have your best stuff but I want to see you compete out there and pitch your butt off.’”
