Ricky Nolasco (10-11, 4.46) has been better than his ERA would indicate. His greatest asset his excellent control: This year, he has just a 1.94 BB/9. In 2010, that number was at 1.88. His strikeout numbers are down this year, from a 8.39 K/9 in 2010 to 6.49 this year. However, his HR/9 is also down this year, from 1.37 to 0.88. Both his FIP and xFIP currently stand at 3.55. This is the third straight year that Nolasco has had a good FIP and a poor ERA.
Nolasco's splits show basically no difference between being home or away. In Florida, he has been allowing a .760 OPS, while away from home he has been allowing a .763 OPS. He has been much better against righties (.279/.299/.399) than lefties (.299/.353/.475) this year.
Nolasco has faced five different current Brewers at least ten times. Here's how they have fared:
| PA | Line | |
| Jerry Hairston | 14 | .500/.500/.929 |
| Nyjer Morgan | 14 | .286/.286/.357 |
| Prince Fielder | 13 | .250/.538/1.000 |
| Rickie Weeks | 13 | .417/.462/.833 |
| Corey Hart | 12 | .400/.417/.700 |
For the Brewers, Chris Narveson (10-8, 4.40) will be making the start. His last start, he gave up three runs (two earned) in four innings against the Cubs. This should be his last start in 2011 before moving to a bullpen role in the playoffs. Narveson has yet to face a current Marlin at least ten times.
It's been a while since we saw this Center Fielder:
RF Corey Hart
CF Mark Kotsay
LF Ryan Braun
1B Prince Fielder
2B Rickie Weeks
3B Jerry Hairston Jr.
SS Yuniesky Betancourt
C George Kottaras
LHP Chris Narveson
Michael Fiers pitched one inning (21 pitches) on Wednesday.
Tim Dillard and Marco Estrada last pitched on Monday.
Frankie De La Cruz last pitched on Saturday.
Francisco Rodriguez pitched .2 innings (10 pitches) Friday and 1 inning (19 pitches) yesterday.
John Axford pitched 1 inning (14 pitches) Friday and 1 inning (16 pitches) yesterday.
Takashi Saito pitched 1 inning (14 pitches) yesterday.