In some respects, it's a miracle the Atlanta Braves are still in the hunt for the postseason.
The Braves are perennial preseason World Series favorites nowadays, so on the surface, it's a disappointment to be one game out of Wild Card position on Sept. 13. But given the rash of injuries Atlanta has suffered, they've done well to keep from sinking.
One moment that could have derailed the Braves' season altogether was ace pitcher Spencer Strider's season-ending injury all the way back in April. Strider, Major League Baseball's wins leader in 2023, made just two starts in 2024.
Thankfully, there was another "Spencer S." waiting to take over. Rookie Spencer Schwellenbach has been superb in his 17 starts as a big-leaguer, particularly since the All-Star break. He's been good enough that baseball fans everywhere are taking notice.
On Friday, Schwellenbach was named the Braves' "hidden gem" of the 2024 season by Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter.
"After cycling through several ineffective options trying to plug Strider's spot on the staff, Spencer Schwellenbach got his chance on May 29 when he made his MLB debut, and he has been a staple in the rotation ever since," Reuter said.
"The 24-year-old had not pitched above the High-A level prior to this season, and he jumped straight from Double-A to the majors when he was called up. Over 17 starts, he has a 3.78 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and a 107-to-19 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 97.2 innings."
In particular, Schwellenbach's second-half numbers have been superb, as he overcame the initial bumps and bruises a rookie hurler typically takes. He has 53 innings pitched, a 3.23 ERA, and 66 strikeouts in nine starts since the break.
At one point, it looked as though the Braves might need to trade for a starting pitcher because the fifth starter slot was so precarious. Now, Schwellenbach has not only taken over that slot, but he's looking like a lock to start a playoff game.
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