NL DIVISION SERIES: BREWERS VS BRAVES

October 8, 2021

Brian Snitker

American Family Field

Atlanta Braves

Pregame 1 Press Conference

Q. You said the toughest decisions are usually how many pitchers to carry. At what point in time did you decide on 12 and could you tell us what maybe your toughest decision might have been?

BRIAN SNITKER: I think it's always tough when you have to bring somebody in that's helped you get to where you're going. That's one of the hardest things, whether it's a position player or a pitcher that doesn't make the roster. And they've helped you get to, like I say, get here.

And I told the guys after we won it. The way it is, you prepare for your opponent. And how the best matchup is going to be with the guys you have, and not everybody can make it. But you make it to the next round and everybody's in play again, depending on who you play.

So they put everything together upstairs and who profiles best against this opponent, and that's who we go with.

Q. That explains Dylan Lee because of the left-handed breaking ball?

BRIAN SNITKER: Left-handed breaking ball, yeah. Regardless of time, obviously, spent. It's just about collecting guys that match up with your opponent.

Q. How nice is it having a guy like Gore in the organization and the value of that speed?

BRIAN SNITKER: That's why Alex hired him and put him in Triple-A. And just as we can add an extra -- we had two or three different guys over the years that have provided that role.

And hopefully we can get somebody on to use him. But you kind of like to have that runner if you can. And with the 26 guys, we were afforded that luxury.

Q. Arcia, what went into the decision to put him on the roster?

BRIAN SNITKER: He had some big hits for us down the stretch there when we were trying to win games. He's done a really good job for us. He was good depth, and to his credit -- and I admire him that every time we sent him back, he just went back and continued to do well.

We asked him to play the outfield. Did a great job at short for us in Triple-A. Played really well here when he had the opportunity. But he's got some big hits for us the last couple of weeks when we were trying to win this thing.

Q. Just having Smyly in that bullpen, that's another guy that can throw a left-handed breaking ball but also maybe give you some length?

BRIAN SNITKER: Some length. And I don't know what route we're going to go in Game 4. It could be a bullpen game.

But Drew's been throwing the ball really well, too. He's had some really good outings. And it's just the matchup with the opponent, pretty much.

Q. Did you feel like Rich Rodriguez and Chris Martin, they kind of understood?

BRIAN SNITKER: Yeah. I'm sure they didn't like it. But, again, it's more who you're playing more than what they can or can't do. So they'll both be in play for the next round if we advance.