The Major League Baseball postseason often puts players in situations that they aren't familiar with, and that was the case Thursday night for Atlanta Braves left-hander Ray Kerr. 

Not only did Kerr make the first postseason appearance of his career, but he did so as the starter for a winner-take-all Game 3 of the NL wild-card series against the Philadelphia Phillies, which the Braves won, 6-2.

Many didn't know what to expect from Kerr in terms of both length and production. Kerr didn't mind the lack of expectations, as it was potentially something that helped him turn in an excellent start in the biggest outing of his professional career.

Ray Kerr shined against the Phillies

Kerr was outstanding on Thursday, tossing 3 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing one hit, walking one batter and striking out two batters. 

It was the third time this season that Kerr had faced Philadelphia, and he was stellar in each appearance. In total, he tossed 9 2/3 innings of shutout baseball with seven strikeouts against the Phillies this season.

In a spot where some may let the moment get too big in their first postseason start, Kerr didn't seem phased by the moment in the slightest.

Ray Kerr didn't know if he'd ever pitch again after having Tommy John surgery

Kerr went over two full years without throwing a pitch after undergoing Tommy John surgery in the middle of the 2024 season. In a story from Jesus Cano of The Athletic, it was revealed that Kerr was working at a 7-Eleven during his high school years and wasn't sure if he'd even play baseball professionally.

Now, two seasons removed from a surgery he thought may have ended his career, he stepped up in the biggest spot of his career and delivered a start that helped Atlanta advance into the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.