Last week, we got some insight into what the Braves were doing, rolling with a ten-man bullpen and a four-man bench, along with a four-man rotation. With Mike Soroka starting the season on the 10-day IL, this is what the 26-man roster will look like against the Phillies.
Rotation
LHP Max Fried
RHP Ian Anderson
RHP Charlie Morton
LHP Drew Smyly
Obviously, with only four rotation arms, the Braves are expected to use an opener until Mike Soroka is ready to pitch. The most likely candidate is Huascar Ynoa, followed by Sean Newcomb.
Bullpen
RHP Luke Jackson
RHP Nate Jones
RHP Chris Martin
RHP Josh Tomlin
RHP Huascar Ynoa
LHP Sean Newcomb
LHP Grant Dayton
LHP Tyler Matzek
LHP AJ Minter
LHP Will Smith
In my last prediction, I had Sean Newcomb getting the tenth bullpen spot. That came to fruition, and I’m happy to see it. Newk performs much better out of the ‘pen. I’m curious to see who the team options whenever Mike Soroka is ready to go, but they will likely make that decision based on who is playing well when the time comes.
Starting Lineup
RF Ronald Acuña Jr
2B Ozzie Albies
3B Austin Riley
P Max Fried
Nothing new here, it’s Pache szn.
Bench
INF Ehire Adrianza
Alex Jackson’s defense got him this spot, but his bat will have to improve if he wants to keep it. Adrianza and Sandoval played so well during the spring; they earned this opportunity. Ender Inciarte rounds out the roster, mostly because of his bloated contract that will pay him nearly $9 million this season.
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It starts today, let’s go get a ring boys.
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