It’s almost a guarantee that at least one of those games will be played, while the rest of the playoff teams rest, and there’s a possibility two might have to be played, completely depleting both pitching staffs ahead of a potential Wild Card series. It’s a worst case scenario for the league, the Braves, and the Mets, yet another obstacle Atlanta will have to overcome if they do indeed make it to the postseason.
How Brian Snitker handles his pitching staff over the next week will be paramount in the Braves overcoming that hurdle. Most likely, Chris Sale, who was scheduled to pitch Wednesday, will get the ball Friday night. Max Fried will be pushed back to Saturday and Charlie Morton will start the series finale against the Royals.
That would mean Spencer Schwellenbach would be ready for Game 1 against the Mets, and with the way he pitched on Tuesday night, there is no reason for Brian Snitker to turn to anyone else. A potential Game 2 is where things get really interesting.
If the Braves are playing for their playoff lives, it would be an all hands on deck situation. However, none of their top starters would be fully rested. Reynaldo Lopez could be an option if he returns from the IL and doesn’t pitch this weekend, but you have to think seeing Chris Sale on short rest is on the table if the situation calls for it, even if he wouldn’t be available to start. With that being said, if Sale pitches against the Mets, it’s unlikely he’ll be available for the Wild Card series, which is set to begin on Tuesday.
The best case scenario would be the Braves taking care of business this weekend and hoping the Mets falter. Atlanta currently sits 1.0 game behind New York for the final Wild Card spot in the National League. If they can even do that over the weekend, they’ll only need to win one game against the Mets on Monday to clinch a playoff berth.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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