Thanks a lot to the genius that is Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves got hot at the right time and ran away with the NL East again. They clinched last night, currently leading the NL East by 5.5 games with four games remaining on their schedule (although they will only play the three against the Mets). Now, the real fun begins.
Next week, the Braves will embark on their playoff journey, beginning with the Milwaukee Brewers. But before then, they’ll have to set their playoff roster. The current roster sits at 28, so at least two members will not be a part of the series against Milwaukee. But who knows? The Braves could also have a surprise or two up their sleeve. Spencer Strider, anyone? I’m kidding, but what if… Let’s get into it.
Starting Pitchers
Since there will be off days this postseason, the Braves will only need four starters. This is exactly how I expect Brian Snitker to line them up. Max Fried has been the best pitcher in baseball since the All-Star break. Charlie Morton is the obvious choice to go in Game 2. Ian Anderson has strung together two fantastic starts, and I expect Huascar Ynoa to surprise some people.
Catchers
This one is difficult because many National League teams like to go with three catchers in the postseason. We’ve seen the Braves do it in the past, and the reason they didn’t do it last season is that there was the universal DH in place. With that being said, the Braves just don’t have any other catchers worth rostering. Unless… they promote Shea Langeliers. That would be something.
Infielders
- Freddie Freeman
- Ozzie Albies
- Austin Riley
- Dansby Swanson
- Orland Arcia
Initially, I left Orlando Arcia off the list, but as I was trying to decide on the final roster spot, I ended up giving it to him. He has defensive versatility and knows the Brewers better than anybody, given that he’s played his entire career there. That could prove valuable. Enough to earn him a roster spot? I’m not sure, but I ended up giving it to him.
Outfielders
No changes here. I imagine all of these guys are pretty set in stone.
Bullpen
- Jesse Chavez
- Will Smith
- Tyler Matzek
- Chris Martin
- Luke Jackson
- Richard Rodriguez
- Jacob Webb
- A.J. Minter
- Sean Newcomb
I thought this would be a little more difficult, but after going through the possible options, I don’t see why it would look any different. Perhaps the Braves keep Edgar Santana, but over who? Sean Newcomb is the only guy I could see them leaving off, even though I could live without seeing Richard Rodriguez throw another pitch this season in a game that matters.
This also means Drew Smyly and Touki Toussaint will not be pitching in the NLDS. Money aside, these nine guys are better options than Smyly, who just hasn’t been good this season. I still believe in Toussaint, but he was roughed up in his past few starts and hasn’t gotten any work in the bullpen. I can’t see them trying to use him in relief now.
If the Braves decide to go with ten relief arms, they will probably keep Santana or Smyly.
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