Following a rough patch from both the Braves and Mets, they each turned it around over the weekend, sweeping their respective series. Like we’ve been saying for months now, this race is going to come down to the wire and will likely be decided when the Braves and Mets meet at Truist Park to end September. That’s all both organizations will be thinking about over the next couple of weeks, but eventually, each team will clinch a Wild Card berth at the very least.
This is my third version of the Braves playoff roster, and while there aren’t a ton of changes, there is one significant person we have to replace. Ozzie Albies suffered a broken pinky over the weekend against the Phillies just days after returning to the lineup. He will miss the remainder of the season. From a team standpoint, it’s a substantial blow, but I feel far worst for Albies, who hasn’t been able to catch a break the entire season.
Starting Pitchers
Nothing changes here, and I don’t expect it to unless injury strikes. Mike Soroka isn’t ready to contribute at the major-league level right now, and the Braves aren’t going to push him. I think Kyle Muller is a much more likely candidate to make an impact come the playoffs, but so far, the Braves haven’t given him an opportunity, despite how much success he’s had in Gwinnett.
Bullpen
- Raisel Iglesias
- Kenley Jansen
- Tyler Matzek
- A.J. Minter
- Collin McHugh
- Kirby Yates
- Jesse Chavez
- Dylan Lee
- Jackson Stephens
Once again, nothing changes here either. I’m pretty confident all of these players will be included. The one guy I could potentially see the Braves leaving off the playoff roster is Kirby Yates, but he’s looked pretty competent in his last few outings.
Infielders
Obviously, the only omission with this group is Ozzie Albies. Ryan Bannon was added to the active 28-man roster to replace him, but I don’t expect him to be one of the 26 men on the Braves playoff roster.
Catchers
These will be the guys behind the plate come October.
Outfielders
With the extra spot created by Ozzie Albies’ injury, I re-added Guillermo Heredia to the roster. Although I don’t think he brings much to the table, the Braves don’t have any better options, and they clearly value his infectious clubhouse presence and defensive abilities.
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Photo: John Adams/Icon Sportswire
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