Although the Mets were atop the NL East for the vast majority of the season, Atlanta charged hard down the stretch and surged past them (via a tiebreaker). They earned their fifth consecutive division crown and also earned a bye past the Wild Card round under this year’s new expanded playoff format. They will now square off against a divisional rival, facing the Phillies in the NLDS. The roster for the series is as follows…
Right-Handed Pitchers
- Jesse Chavez
- Raisel Iglesias
- Kenley Jansen
- Collin McHugh
- Charlie Morton
- Jake Odorizzi
- Jackson Stephens
- Spencer Strider
- Kyle Wright
Left-Handed Pitchers
- Max Fried (Game 1 starter)
- Dylan Lee
- A.J. Minter
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
The most notable name on the list is Strider, as his status was uncertain for the series. His last appearance was September 18, after which he went on the injured list due to a left oblique strain. It seems there’s a chance he could return in the next week, based on his placement on this roster. Jeff Schultz of The Athletic relays word from manager Brian Snitker that the club hasn’t yet decided on a Game 3 starter, with Strider and Morton both under consideration. Yesterday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com said that the club was leaning towards Wright for Game 2.
Prior to landing on the injured list, Strider was enjoying a spectacular rookie season. He started in the bullpen but eventually made his way into the rotation and dominated the whole way. He threw 131 2/3 innings with a 2.67 ERA, 40.3% ground ball rate, 8.5% walk rate and an absurd 38.3% strikeout rate. The club was so impressed that they gave him a six-year, $75MM extension, announced just yesterday.
What role he can play in this series is something that is still to be determined. He is throwing a bullpen today and won’t be an option for relief work in Game 1, per Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. How his body responds to today’s session will likely determine how the club proceeds with regards to Strider’s workload.
As for who is not on the list, the most noteworthy omission is that of Tyler Matzek. Toscano relays that Matzek felt some elbow discomfort recently and is being evaluated in Texas. The southpaw was a key component of the club’s World Series run last year, throwing 15 2/3 innings in the postseason with a 1.72 ERA. In the regular season this year, he posted a 3.50 ERA over 43 2/3 innings. The fact that he’s been left off this roster suggests the club isn’t expecting him back in short order, though he could return to the club down the line if he gets good news in Texas and the club stays alive.
No Tyler Matszeck
Matzek felt elbow discomfort. Off the NLDS roster.
Good to see you again Ido.
I read elsewhere Matzek dealing with some elbow discomfort. Have to wonder if at some point this post season they carry Muller as a third lefty instead of having Adrianza or Heredia on the bench.
Chavez?!? Really!
2.72 ERA over 46 appearances for ATL this year. He’s been very consistent as a Brave.
Huh, never noticed.
He gives them that multi-IP they need not fully knowing how much they can get out of Strider. At the very least, have Strider be an opener going 3-4 IP with Chavez another 2 IP bridging to the setup crew.
Not cheering for him being injured especially knowing his history, but I can’t say I’m angry that we don’t have to face Matzek. Dude dominates us.
FWIW, PHI is tied for 4th in MLB for highest OPS vs. LHP — so maybe it’s good to leave Matzek off the roster in addition to the discomfort.
Matzek and Bracho, two easy decisions. I feel bad for Matzek, and hope he feels better soon. Maybe for the NLCS, if the Braves get that far.
Also, no Kirby Yates. Not surprising, but hope he can be 100% next year.
Yep, sorry to see he’s not on there. I was hoping he was feeling good enough to move Jackson Stephens off the roster.
Re: Jackson Stephens – Bob Wickman’s illegitimate son.
Good quip, and maybe more possible than either of us would really like to imagine…………….
@run. I was thinking David Wells could be the father.
No surprises on the roster, opener game 3 with strider to try to bridge the later innings? Let’s wait and see where they are at after seeing Wheeler/Nola combo.
I’m surprised they didn’t have 3 LH relief pitchers and that Ehire Adrianza and Jake Odorizzi are on the roster. Could have had Kyle Muller on here with no Matzek.
If we see Odorizzi, things will have gone bad. Really bad. Like no coming back bad.
Good for Chavez. He’s earned the right to play in October. I’m glad he escaped from the Angels and went back to Atlanta.
We were glad to get him back.
Having odorizzi on the roster tells us a lot about strider. If strider was fully ready to go i doubt odorizzi makes the roster.
Chavez was underrated and very important part of the bullpen. Can pitch multiple innings and consecutive days. Can’t believe the Braves let him go but glad he’s back. Takes Tomlin’s place but much more effective
Ughhhh the anticipation, need to score early and put the pressure on these guys. Don’t want to see another Suarez outing in which he gets comfortable. Let’s go Bravos!!!!!!
With Kyle Wright starting game 2, I doubt we see Strider IF they can go up 2-0 in the series. Then maybe they go Odor, Morton, Fried for 3,4,5. If they don’t go up 2-0 in the series than I think we see Strider get start.
Max had rust, a week off doesn’t help, he hadn’t pitched since the 1st. The Braves came alive at the end, and there was a call on Contreras inside that would have been ball 4 early in the game, that call made a huge difference because the run scores bases loaded, it was 2 inches inside. Horrendous call. Tomorrow is must win, cannot go to Philadelphia down 2.
Game 2 being pushed back to the evening. The Braves have a .694 Winning % at night, vs a .471 % in the day. Philly has .569/.472.
I don’t know if this is significant or not, but I hope it is.
Series tied 1-1. I still like the Braves chances.