The Atlanta Braves lost 4-3 to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the tying run on first, Manager Brian Snitker substituted Eli White with Eddie Rosario.
Rosario struck out on five pitches to end the game, leaving some fans puzzled by the decision. White had been the team’s hottest hitter over the past dozen games. After the game, Snitker explained that the move was based on matchup considerations and the hope that Rosario still had something to offer.
“Yeah, this guy’s got better numbers off right-handed hitters. Way better,” he said. “I thought maybe Eddie could recreate some old magic.”
Rosario went down on strikes after five pitches to end the game, a move that left many scratching their heads. While Manager Brian Snitker had his reasons—citing matchups and hoping Rosario could tap into some of his past magic—the decision was still debatable. Rosario was the 2021 NLCS MVP, slashing an incredible .560 with a 1.647 OPS, three homers, and nine RBIs in that six-game series against the Dodgers. And on paper, there was logic: left-handed hitters have fared better against Emilio Pagán this season, batting .192 compared to just .035 by right-handers.
Statistically speaking, Rosario has the edge over White in career numbers versus righties. But that’s in the rearview mirror. Rosario has struggled mightily at the plate this season, regardless of who’s pitching. Meanwhile, White has been on a tear, hitting .300 with a .920 OPS against righties, and arguably the team’s hottest bat over the past dozen games.
There’s no guarantee that sticking with White in that moment would’ve changed the outcome—metrics don’t offer a definitive answer either way. But if the goal was to go with the hitter best equipped right now, then White was already in the right place at the right time. Sometimes, the numbers suggest it’s worth riding the hot hand.
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