It was initially thought that Ender Inciarte might be ready for the Braves two-game set in Kansas City to begin this week, as reported by MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. There is still the possibility of that happening, but Snitker said they might hold off and activate him for their final series in New York.
The Braves had said Inciarte might be activated before Tuesday's game in Kansas City. But Snitker said they may now wait until Friday's series opener in New York.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 22, 2019
I’m interested to see what the club is thinking about Ender Inciarte. Before this hamstring injury, he had earned his everday starting outfield spot back and would have been on the playoff roster. It’s difficult to imagine he would start over Matt Joyce due to his lack of action, but he could fill the role as a defensive replacement and a pinch hitter/runner. Outside of Ronald Acuña, the Braves don’t have many reliable options that can play center field. I don’t think he will be on the playoff roster, but if he’s deemed healthy enough, a case can be made for him to make the final 25-man.
In other injury news, Freddie Freeman will not be traveling with the team to Kansas City. A bone spur in his elbow has been bothering him of late, and the Braves think it will be best if he takes a few days off before the postseason. Atlanta expects Freeman to return for the final series of the season against the Mets. It’s worrisome, considering Freeman is the most valuable player on the Braves roster, but Brian Snitker did say, if the playoffs were tomorrow, he would be out there. Atlanta also has two off days this week and will have a couple of days to rest before the NLDS begins. Hopefully, that will allow Freeman, who has been scuffling of late, to return to form, as the Braves aim for their first playoff series win since 2001.