Dallas Keuchel Describing His Approach is Proof He's Fully Locked in for Braves' Playoff Run

When Dallas Keuchel gave up eight runs over 3.2 innings against the Miami Marlins back in early August, it was a little concerning.

However, he shook that off nicely, and over his last five starts, including six shutout innings against Washington on Friday, the Atlanta Braves starter has allowed a measly 3 runs over his last 31 innings. And it couldn't have come at a better time for the NL East leaders.

How does this happen? Part of it is the fact Keuchel has been around for quite some time and knows how to bounce back, but more specifically, it's the former Cy Young Award winner's approach to pitching that gives him a chance to win every time he toes the mound.

“It’s not predicated on getting ahead or anything for me,” Keuchel said after the Braves' win Friday, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s just quality of pitches per at-bat. The more quality pitches, the better off you’re going to be even in a 2-0, 3-0, 1-0 count. I just have to remind myself hitting is hard enough as is, pitching is hard enough as is, but I’d rather be a pitcher any day of the week than hitting in the box.  

“As long as I make quality pitches, I like to get ahead of every hitter, but at the same time, I’m going to get frustrated at myself when I know there’s a 50-50 first pitch that, hey, I think (Howie) Kendrick is going to swing right here and I don’t want to give him a fat cookie. So I’d rather throw him a tease pitch. That’s what I’m predicated on. I make the hitter guess and I’ve been guessing right for myself.” 

He doesn't just throw-- Keuchel thinks things through and has a meticulous approach batter-to-batter. Executing quality pitches is the name of the game for Kid Keuchy, and he's been doing exactly that in the most recent stage of his short tenure with the Braves.