The Braves have set their 28-man roster for this week’s NLDS matchup against the upstart Marlins. Here’s the breakdown:
Right-Handed Pitchers
- Ian Anderson (Game 2 starter)
- Shane Greene
- Chris Martin
- Mark Melancon
- Darren O’Day
- Josh Tomlin
- Jacob Webb
- Bryse Wilson
- Kyle Wright (Game 3 starter)
- Huascar Ynoa
Left-Handed Pitchers
- Grant Dayton
- Max Fried (Game 1 starter)
- Tyler Matzek
- A.J. Minter
- Will Smith
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
There are only two changes from the wild card round for the Braves. In an effort to have more arms at the ready for a series that could include games on 5 consecutive days, Atlanta added Bryse Wilson and Huascar Ynoa to the NLDS roster. Both are capable of starting a potential game 4, though either would likely have a short leash. More importantly, perhaps, is that both are capable of providing multiple innings of relief out of the bullpen at some point during the series. They are now carrying a robust 15-man pitching staff for the series, which includes four southpaws in the bullpen.
Johan Camargo and William Contreras are the casualties, shortening the bench for Atlanta to just a backup catcher, Culberson and Sandoval as the reserve infielders, and Pache as their lone backup outfielder. The four-man bench is made possible by Culberson, who can play all over the diamond in a pinch.
Trevor Bauer would be pissed if he was on a 15 man pitching staff lol.
He would say “coach I’ll pitch a complete game in all 5 games don’t worry” lol
It’s technically a 3-man bench, since Ozuna is the DH.
I’m still counting 4 even with the DH. Am I missing something. Pache, flowers, panda, and CC..
You’re right. I overlooked Flowers.
But to be fair I’d have more confidence with a mannequin holding a broom pinch hitting over flowers. He’s easy to forget. Jk jk
It’s the right decision to go with the bigger pen. If even one of our starters struggles, we could have an absolutely meltdown due to the lack of depth in our rotation. Got to have all the arms possible. Not to mention, AA needs to be fired….
AA needs to be fired? Nonsense. He has assembled a championship-caliber roster. Braves fans should be pleased with how their team is set up for both now and the future. I get a kick out of fans who want to “fire” the field managers and general managers of successful teams. This includes Dodgers fans who want to can “Fraudman” and Roberts. These fans have no idea what they’re talking about. Most of them can’t even manage their sock drawer, let alone a professional sports franchise. Seriously, what have you managed in your life that makes your “hot take” valid?
Dave roberts would not be a good manager on and average roster and that’s mad facts. The dodgers are set for life
A fact is something that can be proven. Your point is in no way a fact. My observation as a Dodger fan of 53 years is that Roberts has been the franchise’s best manager over that time. Brilliant communicator whose clubhouse is regarded as the best in the game. All he does is win. Spare me the LaSorda stuff. Had Bowie Kuhn not awarded Tommy an unearned playoff spot in 1981, he never would have won a thing.
Now go learn what a fact is.
I’ve oftentimes struggled to find agreement with you this summer, @Cey hey.
But on this? Man, I’m with you 100%.
He’s done an amazing job. Can’t really say anything else.
Why in the world does AA need to go? Do you miss John Hart and Coppy committing rules violations or trading viable young players during a rebuild for Hector Olivera? Alex is a great GM that has set the Braves up for immediate and sustained success.
Some fans are desperate for a championship so they can validate their own sense of self-worth through the accomplishments of others. They also can’t take the good-natured ribbing that comes when their team falls short.
@Cey Hey. Which team do you follow? I was thinking we can start a fan trade system. So whoever you follow, we want you and we will give your present team that divisiontitlesmattermorethanWSRINGS
guy. =D
GC, there are a good number of Braves fans who think the road to the championship is all about going after veteran players when you are getting close. While that does sometimes help, more often than not you sacrifice the long term in hopes for that single chance. In fairness, that way does sometimes get a team over the hump, but for mid-market teams it’s a big gamble. The big market teams can afford to ransack their systems, and it makes fans from other teams want to do the same to ‘keep up’.
I think most Braves fans realize AA had a very successful offseason with free agent signings, signing more than a half dozen of the MLBTR top 50, of which only one bombed. Sadly, the one that bombed was in the rotation where so many things went sideways. So, given the ‘what have you done for me lately’ many fans felt like AA failed in not getting a quality starter at the deadline. Sadly, there just weren’t many available and the Braves were not willing to part with guys like Pache, Waters and Anderson. I hope fans look back on it as the Braves are in the playoffs for the next 10 years, but many will just assume that if they don’t win the WS this year, that it’s because of AA not trading away those guys.
It’s a strange thing, Marlins fans want to build success like the Braves, but many Braves fans would trade 20 years of suck for one more championship. Me, I prefer being in the thick of it every year and just realizing how hard it is even with a good team to win it all over sucking for an entire decade.
I don’t think it’s quite as black and white as you’re painting it, Steve- but it is a matter of opinion. My thoughts are this:
I agree with you on not selling the farm for veteran pieces just to say we added pieces and win the trade deadline. Giving up assets to get a little bit closer to beating the Dodgers while still probably not being able to beat the Dodgers is futile.
However, trading pieces to get a top flight piece such as Clevinger would have been wise. He’s a longer-term piece. He solidifies the rotation. It’s also easier to go into FA needing an OF than it is to need a SP. I assume that is why the rebuild was built on pitching.
You have to weigh it.
@bravesfan. Almost every article you bash AA. It is pretty old now. But regardless you have to go by the old adage if you are going to get rid of someone, you need to have a better replacement. Who out there right now could do more? I am actually ok with the job he has done. Except for the fact he should add a top of the rotation guy and stop adding these old veteran SO on 1 year deals. Other than that i’d take him over 80% of the other teams in league.
AA needs to be fired? We’re you one of the same Braves fans who said AA should sell the farm for Mike Clevinger? If he would have traded for Clevinger we would be in even more serious trouble right now with his injury and would have nothing to show for. For AA to evaluate all of that and place a higher price on young prospects speaks volumes about how good of a GM he has been for Atlanta.
Fans want the instant success and I somewhat understand that but look at where the Braves were before the rebuild. Bottom 5 farm system and a bunch of older past their prime players across the roster who were all paid to much. Is that what you want to go back to? Trade all of the young prospects they have built up for 1-2 years of older players who may not help Atlanta win anything? Of course you don’t. Enjoy the Braves success. Sit back and let the people who were hired to run this team do their jobs and stop Monday morning quarterbacking. They were hired to run things for a reason and they have don’t an excellent job.
D’arnaud has paid off and AA took a chance on him. He refused to pay Josh Donaldson for 4 years after he was MVP worthy player last year and instead signed Ozuna for 1 season. That’s a very risky move but it’s been huge. Ozuna has looked mvp worthy this year and Donaldson looked like he is well past his prime. AA has done a dang good job building this team!!! There is no doubt about it.
Interesting roster. I’m not sold on why Panda is still in (besides postseason experience I suppose). In these series, it seems that defensive versatility and speed are more important from the bench. I’d have liked to see Camargo on before Panda.
It’s called experience, and it still counts regardless of what you think.
Wondering if any Braves fans can comment on confidence in Will Smith in big games … I know in recent games I’ve seen he’s looked good. But I was very surprised to see he’s given up 7 HR in only 16 IP this year – other peripherals look good but after giving up 10 HR in ’19 in 65IP which was already a high number for a late inning pitcher, this seems like a very alarming number going into the post-season.
@statman I was thinking the same thing. He was great – obviously the WHOLE bullpen was great – in the WC round, but those homer numbers were quite alarming to read about. I’m hoping he’s over that now and is in lockdown mode for the playoffs.
I’ll take him as my 6th or 5th inning guy. Really right now he’s probably third or even fourth in the Braves lefty depth chart behind Minter, Matzek, and maybe Dayton.
@statman I was thinking the same thing. I mean he was great in the WC round – obviously the whole BULLPEN was great in the WC round – but seeing those home run numbers was quite alarming. I’m hoping he’s gotten over that and moved into lockdown mode for the playoffs. *fingers crossed*
Who here is watching the Braves game right now? I was terrified for a little while because I REALLY don’t want the Braves to lose to the Marlins. I would have preferred the Reds to knock them out earlier than that.
Atlanta sports fans are far to used to being the favorite or have the advantage just to watch their team flush it down the toilet. =}
I got really nervous when Fried gave up those three, but when the Braves came right back and scored two I knew they had the Marlins. Their bullpen simply can’t shut down the Braves offense. Alcantara gave the offense some life after he hit Acuna (I don’t think it was on purpose, but there’s history between Acuna and the Marlins), and it snowballed from there.
Actually, I’m going to change my opinion, I’m leaning towards that Alcantara did it on purpose.
I wasn’t able to watch the beginning part of the game, and after watching a replay of the game (and Acuna did showboat), I think Alcantara did do it on purpose.
Alcantara had pretty good control yesterday (1 walk in 6 innings) and it just seems real curious for Acuna, in his next at bat after hitting another leadoff home run against the Marlins, to get hit, It’s just too random for Acuna to get hit in his next at bat after hitting a home run.
To all the wizards of smart who insisted we needed Donaldson back who was too much $, too many years and hurt again( what else is new) Braves took Ozuna and d’Arnaud. AA would like to remind you of that old country/western song; “How Do You Like Me Now” ?
After Anderson and Wright dominate Wednesday and Thursday he’ll be saying the same thing about those crying for the Braves to trade the farm for multiple starters.
I would say probably unintentional as well. It’s just to much of a risk. A three run lead, early in the game with one out you don’t put Acuna on with Freddie Freeman coming to bat.
It was also nice to see Melancon NOT making the bottom of the 9th more interesting.
Damn. This comment was supposed to be part of my conversation above. =\
I was hoping for an immaculate inning. The ump wanted it, he gave him that strike three call on Berti.
hogansgoat: I’m 100% behind your comment but THAT song is by Toby Keith in the late ’90s. It’s not THAT OLD, I remember watching HEE-HAW in the mid-’70s.
Any song over 10 years ago is old. Just ask my gen-x daughter
There was supposed to be a winking emoji at the end but I guess this site doesn’t recognize them
This is a no fun website.