Ynoa 'still learning,' NLDS role may be in 'pen

ATLANTA -- Huascar Ynoa could play a key role during the National League Division Series. Exactly how he is used will be influenced by the less than overwhelming starts he has made over the past few weeks.

Ynoa faded near the conclusion of the five-inning effort he provided in the Braves’ 4-3 loss to the Mets at Truist Park on Friday night. This was the first time he completed at least five innings since Sept. 9. But he certainly didn’t show any of the dominance he displayed before he fractured his hand in May.

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“He’s not a finished product,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s still learning. But overall, I thought his stuff was good tonight.”

Getting a chance to evaluate Ynoa and some other potential relievers was the Braves’ primary focus as they opened this series a day after clinching their fourth consecutive National League East title. They will play two more games against the Mets and then open the NLDS on Friday in Milwaukee.

Looking ahead to the best-of-five series against the Brewers, the Braves could use either Charlie Morton or Max Fried in Game 1. For now, it seems more likely Morton will get the nod. Both would be available to start Game 5 on regular rest, regardless of whether they start Game 1 or Game 2. Ian Anderson likely locked up a Game 3 starting assignment when he limited the Phillies to two runs on three hits over six innings on Thursday night.

One thing seems to be certain: Ynoa will be available out of the bullpen during the first two games. His availability and specific role for Game 4 would be influenced by how much he was used in the first few games. Ynoa is used to doing double duty -- he did work as both a starter and reliever during the 2020 season.

When asked how Ynoa could be used, Snitker said, “Maybe out of the ‘pen, depending on how we get to where we’re going. Obviously, he’d be an option to start. I think probably, when we start the playoffs, he’d be an option out of the ‘pen in the first two games too.”

So it remains to be seen exactly how the Braves might use Ynoa, who allowed three runs on six hits and two walks over five innings to the Mets. The 23-year-old right-hander surrendered Brandon Nimmo’s leadoff homer in the fifth and three hits, including a Pete Alonso double, in New York’s two-run fourth.

“I think it was a much better start, in comparison to the past four or five starts,” Ynoa said through an interpreter. “That’s a positive. I’m here with a new mentality focused on positivity and ready to get to work.”

Ynoa has produced a 5.05 ERA over his past nine starts since missing three months with a fractured right hand. More concerning is his 7.36 ERA over his past four starts.

As the Braves evaluate how to use Ynoa, they will remember he fractured his hand when he punched a dugout bench after allowing five earned runs over 4 1/3 innings in Milwaukee on May 16. It should be noted that he would face the Brewers at Truist Park if he is asked to start Game 4.

While Ynoa might not be trending in the right direction, he would seemingly be a better option than using Morton or Fried on short rest for Game 4. If Ynoa were to start that game, the Braves could slate him for a few innings and attempt to get through the remainder of the game with their bullpen.

Ynoa said he will be ready for either role.

“The important thing is to win the games and win the playoffs,” Ynoa said. “It doesn't matter what position you're playing or what role you have as a pitcher.”