Huascar Ynoa will start Game 1 of Sunday’s doubleheader

Brian Snitker announced during Saturday’s postgame that rookie right-hander Huascar Ynoa will start Game 1 of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Phillies. Snitker stopped short of calling it a bullpen game saying that he told Ynoa “you’re starting the game” and to go in with the mindset of “win the inning.” He added that all of the Braves’ relievers would be available tomorrow as well. Max Fried is scheduled to start Game 2.

The Braves acquired Ynoa from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for left-hander Jaime Garcia and catcher Anthony Recker back in 2017. He made two appearances at the major league level in 2019 and was impressive in his debut allowing one hit while striking out two over two scoreless innings against the Phillies. His second outing didn’t go as well as he was tagged for five hits and six runs in just one inning against the Brewers.

Ynoa appeared in 17 games (14 starts) for Gwinnett in 2019 posting a 5.33 ERA (5.52 FIP) in 72 2/3 innings.

The Phillies have yet to officially announce their pitching plans for Sunday but will likely go with Vince Velasquez in the first game with right-handed prospect Spencer Howard making his major league debut in game 2.