Why Strider is poised for a better postseason

ATLANTA -- Spencer Strider knows his regular-season achievements won’t equate to success in the postseason.

The third-year MLB pitcher has accomplished massive feats in the big leagues this season. He was named to his first All-Star Game and led the Majors in wins (20) and strikeouts (281); the latter set the Braves’ single-season record in the Modern Era (since 1900). Still the righty, who will start Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Phillies at Truist Park on Saturday, knows he and the Braves have to deliver in the playoffs.

“We did a lot of good stuff in the regular season,” Strider said. “Some of that will carry over in some ways, but most of it won't. So this is sort of a fresh slate. And like I said, we're excited to play some meaningful, energetic baseball and go out and play our game.”

Atlanta wants to avoid an early postseason exit like last year’s NLDS loss to the Phillies, in which Strider experienced a nightmarish third inning in Game 3 at Citizens Bank Park. Manager Brian Snitker had hoped the right-hander could go four innings, even though he had thrown off a mound just twice after straining his left oblique against Philadelphia on Sept. 18.

That wish didn’t come true, as the Phillies chased Strider in the third after he allowed five runs. His average fastball velocity dipped from 98.4 mph in the first two innings to 96.4 mph in the third.

“I think he's very much ready, especially the experience of last year, and it was a tough situation for him,” Snitker said. “So I think he's probably really excited to have this opportunity when he's healthy and well rested and prepared.”

Strider continued his ascent to becoming one of baseball’s premier pitchers this year. Last season, he relied heavily on his four-seam fastball, using it 67% of the time -- the most among MLB starters (minimum 1,500 pitches). That usage dropped to 58.7% this season (fourth most in MLB, min. 1,500 pitches), as he leaned into his slider and changeup more.

The four-seamer is still his go-to pitch. He used it to strike out 123 batters this season (first in the Majors), yet he also allowed 17 home runs on it (tied for sixth most in MLB). But his slider is his most effective strikeout pitch with a 33.5% putaway rate -- the highest mark of his career -- and his changeup has created soft-contact outs (21 field outs, with a 74.2 mph exit velocity average).

“Just the stuff. I mean, it's just power,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “It's an electric fastball -- 96 to 99 [mph] -- the slider's a weapon, and now he's throwing changeups to left-handed hitters, and he's throwing strikes. So you have that combination, and he's a bear to handle at times.”

Not to mention, Strider has pitched his best against the Phillies when healthy. He is 8-0 in eight appearances (seven starts) against Philadelphia in his regular-season career, posting a 1.90 ERA with 72 strikeouts to 10 walks across 47 1/3 innings.

In his first return to Citizens Bank Park after last year’s NLDS, he showcased his triple-digit fastball and his swing-and-miss slider. He recorded nine strikeouts across six innings with one run allowed in the June 20 start.

Strider also started against the Phillies on Sept. 13 to help the Braves clinch their sixth straight NL East title. He threw 36 pitches in a one-run first inning but settled in to total just 74 pitches from the second to the seventh. The right-hander allowed no more runs and logged nine strikeouts.

Backed by a historic Braves offense, Strider will start Game 1, with Max Fried returning from the injured list to start Game 2. With an off-day between Game 1 and 2, the Braves can use Strider with regular rest, too, for a potential Game 4 or Game 5.

“[The playoffs are] a very energetic environment,” Strider said. “So things happen quickly. The ability to slow the game down and focus on what you need to do to be successful and try not to let the environment dictate your thought process or your approach [is key].

“So I think everybody's very confident in their routines and their preparation. And I think you want to let the adrenaline and the energy of the postseason sort of aid in that process rather than trying to avoid it.”

The lights will be bright in Strider’s second postseason appearance, but this go-around, the strikeout artist is healthy and improved.