The Houston Astros are down 3-2 in the World Series against the Atlanta Braves.
Both teams’ relief corps have been impressive, yet Houston may have a slight advantage for Game 6 (and Game 7, if they manage to go that far).
Here is why the Astros’ relievers should be in better position to succeed as the World Series gets to its definition phase.
3. They Are Well-Rested
As a whole unit, the Astros bullpen is slightly more well-rested than the Braves.
Houston relievers have pitched 25.2 innings in the World Series, while Atlanta’s have completed 29.1.
It’s not a huge difference, but it could be significant.
In any case, Monday’s off day was marvelous for both teams, as it allowed relievers to rest, recharge their batteries, and be ready for a highly stressful Game 6 on Tuesday night.
It may have been more beneficial for Houston’s top relievers like Kendall Graveman and Phil Maton, each with two innings pitched on Sunday.
At the end of the day, those 3.2 innings of difference between the two teams may not be all that significant, especially since a considerable portion of the Braves’ 29.1 frames has been covered by starters.
But it’s noteworthy nonetheless.
In the World Series, any small detail can make the difference.
Cristian Javier, for example, who had been having an impressive playoff performance until allowing multiple runs on a tight Game 4, has only pitched 1.2 frames in the World Series and should be well-rested.
Graveman, Maton, Brooks Raley, Ryan Pressly, and the rest of the Astros bullpen will be both healthy and in a groove.
Pressly will not pitch 2 tonight. They would pitch Graveman with a day off before they did that. Also I’m not sure they’ll even use him but I’m sure at the minimum Framber will be available for game 7
— Serious Cowboy (@SeriousCowboy1) November 2, 2021
2. Better Performance So Far
The Braves bullpen hasn’t been bad at all during the 2021 Fall Classic.
However, Houston relievers simply have been better, and at this point, the best indicator for future performance is the famous “what have you done lately?”
The Braves’ relievers have a solid 2.76 ERA in 29.1 frames.
That number may be a bit misleading considering that two starters, Drew Smyly and Kyle Wright, have pitched significant innings out of the bullpen.
Nonetheless, the unit has been good.
The Astros, however, have a 1.75 bullpen ERA in 26.2 frames.
Astros bullpen in the World Series:
1.75 ERA
25 2/3 innings
16 hits
5 runs
3 homers
8 walks
33 strikeouts— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) November 1, 2021
Despite being down in the series, Houston relievers have been incredible, often helping clean up the mess left by some of the starting pitchers (mostly Framber Valdez).
Graveman has a 2.25 ERA, Maton is at 0.00 in 4.1 frames, and Pressly is also immaculate through 2.2 innings.
All three should be ready to rock.
1. Houston Has More Flexibility
The Astros appear to have more options available than the Braves at this point.
All middle relievers, setup men, and closers of both teams should be available for the final game, or games, depending on the Astros’ ability to win on Tuesday night.
The Braves should be able to count on their best men, AJ. .Minter, Luke Jackson, Will Smith, and Tyler Matzek; while all Astros’ relievers should also be ready after the off day.
However, the Astros should be able to use starter Jake Odorizzi if needed, as he last pitched in Game 1 (2.1 scoreless innings).
Manager Dusty Baker said he would rather not use Jose Urquidy, but he is an option in case of emergency.
On the other hand, the Braves may not be able to pitch Wright (4.2 innings in Game 4) or Smyly (3 innings in Game 5).
As a result, Houston may have more flexibility at the moment of sending relievers to the hill.
NEXT: 2 Players Who Need To Step Up For The Astros In Game 6