Bryse Wilson took on the Aaron Judge-Giancarlo Stanton duo - and won.
It wasn’t a flawless day for Wilson, who allowed three runs over his four innings in the Braves’ 7-4 loss to the Yankees on Monday night in Grapefruit League action.
But the majors’ best pair of sluggers went a combined 0-for-4 against the 21-year-old right-hander. That’s a victory in and of itself.
“It was exciting,” Wilson said. “I’m just grateful to be in that position. It was good to get the experience against guys of that caliber, a lineup like that. It was a lot of fun.”
Wilson struck out Judge and Stanton in the first inning. He got Judge looking and Stanton on a swing and miss. He coaxed hard-hit grounders from both in the ensuing appearances.
His blemish was the second inning. Luke Voit took him deep. Tyler Wade doubled before Wilson walked Gio Urshela walked. Former Brave Ryan Lavarnway singled home both.
“I threw some good pitches, executed some pitches that they stayed on top off,” Wilson said. “Just got to give them credit for that.”
Added manager Brian Snitker: “I really liked his stuff tonight. I thought he looked really, really good. He had trouble that one inning but overall his stuff was live, really good.”
Where Wilson fits on the Braves staff is unclear. He’s had an admirable spring, highlighted by his propensity for throwing strikes and aggressive nature.
He can operate as a starter or reliever, making him valuable to a team that’d welcome help at both spots. Wilson undoubtedly will factor into the rotation equal as the season moves along, but his most immediate impact might come in relief.
“We still have some decisions to make, but he’s right there,” Snitker said. “He’s has a heck of a spring. He’s opened a lot of eyes. We all liked him last year.
“He’s a candidate for one of the starting spots. He’s a guy you can put in the bullpen. The kid is just another one of the young guys with stuff. His stuff plays. They’re going to continue to get better with experience. Like I say, we’ll see.”
