The Braves are making the postseason; it’s just a matter of whether it’s as NL East champions for the fifth consecutive season or as a Wild Card. Earlier this week, I broke down the position players I predict will make the Braves postseason roster. There were some critical decisions, but I think deciding which 13 pitchers to carry will be much more difficult for Brian Snitker and Alex Anthopoulos.
Starting Pitchers
The first four guys on this list are no-brainers, and I went out on a limb and included Mike Soroka. A couple of weeks ago, I never would have had him on the roster, but there’s something about him that makes me believe he’s going to have an impact this season. He has just enough time to get ready for the playoffs, and his stuff makes him one of the 13 best pitchers in the organization. I don’t expect him to start a game, but if he stays healthy, I expect him to be on the postseason roster.
Obviously, the Braves are only going to need four starters in the postseason, and they might only need 2-3 in a Wild Card series. I have an idea of how they might utilize their starting pitchers come October, but that’s another article for when we have a clearer picture of how these guys are pitching come the postseason.
Bullpen
- Kenley Jansen
- Raisel Iglesias
- A.J. Minter
- Collin McHugh
- Tyler Matzek
- Kirby Yates
- Dylan Lee
- Jackson Stephens
This is actually the exact same bullpen the Braves are currently utilizing, and as of today, they should all make the roster. But things can change between now and October, and the Braves do have some other options if someone gets injured or their production falls off. Darren O’Day is still currently rehabbing in the minors. He has a ton of experience and could be called up at a moment’s notice. Jake Odorizzi, Ian Anderson, or Kyle Muller could also impress enough over the next six months to earn a spot on the roster as a long relief option.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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