The Mariners were slated to face All-Star Spencer Strider in the finale of the three-game series, but he was scratched late in favor of lefty Joey Wentz.
While you never want to root for injury or sickness, the Seattle Mariners have been given a big opportunity on Sunday in the series finale with the Atlanta Braves.
The Braves scratched All-Star righty Spencer Strider from the pitching matchup, opting to go with lefty Joey Wentz instead.
While Strider is just 5-12 this season, he still represents one of the best arms in the National League, so not seeing him is likely a reprieve for an M's lineup looking for some consistency at the plate.
About Wentz
A 27-year-old Kansas native, Wentz is 5-5 this season with an ERA of 5.12. He's made nine starts, pitching in 35 games in total. He doesn't have the strikeout stuff that Strider has, having fanned just 75 batters in 82.2 innings.
He should be able to give the Braves some length, as he's gone six or more innings in two of his last five starts. He's working on regular rest, having last pitched on Sept. 2.
There's no telling which Wentz will show up in this one, as he's been frustratingly inconsistent over his last five starts. He's given up just one run in three of them, but has given up for and six runs in the other.
Regardless of the success he's found at times, the Mariners will have an opportunity to capitalize on Strider's absence, and they'll need to find a way to take advantage.
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Joey Wentz (33) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesAbout the lineup
With the lefty now on the mound, the Mariners have altered their lineup to get the right-handed presences in. Victor Robles is in right field and Mitch Garver is catching, with Cal Raleigh at designated hitter.
Seattle will have Dominic Canzone, Luke Raley, Leo Rivas, Harry Ford and Cole Young available off the bench late in the game, should they be necessary.
What's at stake
The series. Seattle lost 4-1 in the series opener while they took Game 2, 10-2, on Saturday. The Mariners enter play at just one game ahead of the Kansas City Royals in the battle for the third and final wild card spot in the American League. A win would assure they stay in at least that position, while reducing their overall magic number to get to the playoffs.
First pitch is set for 9:05 a.m. PT.