It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve updated my starting pitching power rankings for the Braves — which focuses solely on who will start behind Chris Sale when October arrives.

In that time, there have been several significant developments that have really cleared things up with just three weeks remaining until the postseason.

Removed From Rankings: Bryce Elder

It was always pretty unlikely Bryce Elder started a playoff game for the Braves, but now that he’s undergone minor surgery on his knee that will keep him out for 3-4 weeks, that closes the door on any ideas.

5. AJ Smith-Shawver (Previous Ranking: 2)

Smith-Shawver might have the most upside of anybody on this list, and I took that into account early on in these rankings. But it’s now been five starts, and his lack of control coupled with his inability to miss bats consistently is beyond concerning. He can’t be trusted to start a playoff game right now, and time is running out for him to change that narrative. However, I could see him contributing out of the bullpen come October.

4. Reynaldo Lopez (Previous Ranking: N/A)

I didn’t have Lopez ranked in my previous editions because he was dealing with an injury, but he’s returning tonight to face the Rays. It’s probably unlikely that he shows enough over his final couple of outings to earn a start come the playoffs, but I wouldn’t rule anything out with this group.

3. Martin Perez (Previous Ranking: 4)

Perez has been a godsend for the Braves this season, pitching to a 3.25 ERA over 124.2 innings. It’s absolutely wild he was signed to a minor-league deal in the offseason and then designated for assignment by the Braves earlier in the season. Without him, this team probably isn’t in first place, and while he certainly could end up starting in the playoffs, I think Atlanta’s other two options provide a little more upside.

2. Grant Holmes (Previous Ranking: 3)

What a finish to the season Grant Holmes is experiencing. In four of his last seven starts, he has gone six innings without allowing a single run, pitching to a 2.27 ERA over that stretch with a 3.18 FIP. If he keeps pitching like that over the final three weeks, there shouldn’t be much of a question about who gets the ball in a hypothetical Game 3 for the Braves.

1. Tyler Mahle (Previous Ranking: 1)

There isn’t any guessing about who should be starting Game 2 anymore. Since being acquired at the trade deadline, Tyler Mahle has pitched to a 1.24 ERA and 2.82 FIP over his first six starts. Not only has he already done enough to earn the job, but most of Braves country is probably feeling pretty thrilled with the idea of him being paired with Chris Sale at the top of the rotation entering the postseason.

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(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)