Atlanta Braves Will Give Matt Wisler Another Chance
By Kit Anderson
Matt Wisler will have at least one more chance to claim a role in the Atlanta Braves’ rotation. A chance that everyone hopes the young right-hander can seize and finally live up to his potential.
Matt Wisler has spent four years as an Atlanta Braves pitcher. Two of those years were filled with high expectations and hopes he would become a key part of the Braves’ rotation. The results weren’t what fans were hoping for with Wisler pitching to a career 5.16 ERA.
This season was different, there were no expectations and little thought Wisler would make the roster. An injury changed the situation when Anibal Sanchez hurt his hamstring and Wisler was provided with an opportunity.
Wisler was called up on Thursday to open the series against the division rival New York Mets. All he did was last 7 innings allowing a single earned run. He struck out 8 hitters walking no one, and if not for pitch count there is little doubt he could have finished the game.
The start was the longest a Braves pitcher has lasted in a game and will earn Wisler at least one more look as a starter.
Wisler is one of those guys you love to root for. He is soft-spoken, works hard, and doesn’t have the big flashy velocity that fans have fallen in love with. His problem has been mound presence and confidence, not ability.
Now with no pressure or expectations, Wisler came in and delivered. He looked to be in better shape and threw a slider, unlike any pitch we have seen Wisler use effectively before.
It was a fantastic start one providing a chance for Wisler to claim a role in the starting five with another dominant outing.
To be able to claim a job Wisler is going to have to continue to exude confidence and use his slider effectively. While it is unfair to expect another performance similar to Thursday night, Wisler is more than capable of being a productive starter.
He has the physical ability and it appears his mental game could be catching up. If he has finally put it all together the Braves will have a surprise piece to their rotation.
One much better than Anibal Sanchez, and could help them take a step forward. Wisler isn’t sneaking up on anyone now after his statement game. Wisler’s next start Braves’ fans will be paying close attention to see how he fares.
This well could be Wisler’s last chance to prove he belongs in a Major League rotation. A chance all Braves’ fans hope Wisler finally takes and becomes the pitcher we are all rooting for him to be.