Braves won't, but should, use an opener Saturday

[CJC]

With the news of Scherzer being scratched on Saturday, the typical response would be just to roll Ian Anderson out and hoping he can go 6+. I want to propose that we should go with a RH Opener followed by a LH reliever for a 2-3 inning combo, then roll with Anderson when the lineups dictate.

Why?

1.) LA Will either go with a 2nd bullpen game in 3 days or with a replacement SP who hasn't pitched in a while, or will try Buehler on short rest. Odds are that they will try to avoid the pitcher hitting again and will start pinch hitting the first time the 9 spot comes to the plate.

2.) Since LA will be going to Pinch Hitters early, we can use the RH followed by a lefty to make them either unwind their platoons early and shorten their bench... or we can get Minter facing some favorable matchups for 3-5 outs.

3.) Anderson can appear in inning 3-4 and if he can only go 5 we still get to the back end of the bullpen for the leverage at bats.

4.) Instead of making Matzek or Jackson work through trouble. We can sub in the next in line for favorable matchups if anyone gets on base.

Thoughts?