David Hale will get a spot start in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader in Philadelphia, giving him a chance to return to a role where he’s most comfortable.
Hale started four games in April before Mike Minor came off the disabled list, going 2-2 with a 2.31 ERA, including a 2-1 win in his first start April 4 at Nationals Park. Hale also made two impressive starts last year as a rookie, giving up only one run in 11 innings.
“I like the whole starting role,” Hale said. “It’s probably what I prefer and hope I get to do in my future, so it’s always good to know they have the confidence to put me in that spot.”
Hale threw 40 and 42 pitches in a pair of relief appearances over a three-game span June 14 and 16. The results weren’t good – he gave up five runs in each of those outings to take losses in 13-inning games – but it have helped his stamina for a situation like this.
Hale has thrown just once in the past week, allowing him time to recover as well.
“I feel like I could do whatever they need me to,” Hale said. “I think I could easily do five (innings).”
The Braves hadn’t told Hale what kind of pitch count he would be working under. They plan to bring up a pitcher from the minor leagues to “piggy back” behind him as the 26th man on their roster for that day. Gus Schlosser is a likely option.
Schlosser pitched seven innings, allowing only one run, in his last start Monday in Triple-A Gwinnett. He opened the season on Atlanta’s roster and brings the experience of nine major league outings, going 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA over 11 innings of relief.
Ervin Santana is scheduled to pitch the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park at 2:05 p.m. The second game, which starts at 7:15 p.m. is a makeup for an April 15 rainout.
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