3 Braves players who must step up to avoid elimination

William Contreras

Marcel Ozuna has no business starting another playoff game for Atlanta after going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Game 3 and 0-for-3 in Game 2. Instead, manager Brian Snitker needs to go with William Contreras at the DH.

Fans would have told you Contreras should have been the pick in Game 2 and 3 anyways. He has been the more valuable hitter for the Braves this season, batting .278/.354/.506. He had the second-best on-base percentage on the team in the regular season. It’s been obvious that he’s the guy.

He also has far less baggage for the crowd in Philadelphia to feed off. Ozuna seemed rattled by that crowd on Friday. They’ll be just as raucous with the chance to clinch the series on Saturday.

Wild Bill has earned the right to prove himself in the clutch in the playoffs. Let him go out there and save the season instead of relying on a veteran who hasn’t been reliable in the series so far.

Atlanta has done well to develop the youth. It’s time to lean on them when it matters the most.