Following a crazy Monday, one that saw the Braves clinch a postseason berth, Brian Snitker‘s club is now blessed with the opportunity to fly across the country and immediately get ready for a three-game series in San Diego to determine who will go to the NLDS.
Five games in four days to end the season, along with the injury to Chris Sale, who is expected to miss the Wild Card Series, has everybody guessing who the Braves might start in Game 1. One of AJ Smith-Shawver, Ian Anderson, or Bryce Elder seems like the most likely option, but Brian Snitker also has some concerns regarding his bullpen.
The Braves top two relievers — Joe Jimenez and Raisel Iglesias — appeared in both games yesterday. Typically, that would mean they’re down for at least today, but this is October baby, and the usual rules don’t apply.
I imagine Brian Snitker will be ultra-cautious with his top relief arms, but I don’t think they’ll be unavailable. Despite pitching in both games, Joe Jimenez threw a total of 19 pitches, while Iglesias threw 20. Given they were both pretty well-rested coming into Monday, they should be options on Tuesday against the Padres as well if the Braves find themselves leading.
However, I would at not expect to see either of them if the Braves are trailing. Brian Snitker should feel much more comfortable about his team’s situation in Game 2 with Max Fried scheduled to start, and a potential winner-take-all Game 3 will be an all-hands on deck situation. Those look like the Braves best chances if they are to win the series, but if Atlanta does have an opportunity to steal Game 1, I don’t imagine Snitker will be afraid to use any of his top arms with a lead.
Regardless, the Braves manager is going to have to get creative over the next three days if his team is to advance as short-handed as they are.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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