Some fans may not like thinking about the playoffs when they are two months away, but that’s a luxury that comes with a 10-game lead in the division. Today, the NLDS schedule was announced, and there is a notable aspect that could loom large, especially for those worried about the Braves starting pitching.
Schedule for first 2 rounds of the postseason pic.twitter.com/LIKQTRMh0U
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 8, 2023
The NLDS will take a pause after Game 1 on Saturday, October 7th. They will then also have a travel day on Tuesday, October 10th and another potential travel day before Game 5, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 14th.
It’s a bit ridiculous that there are so many off days, but for the Braves, it could work in their favor. Max Fried and Spencer Strider can take the ball in Games 1 and 2. They would also be on full rest for Games 4 and 5 if necessary.
The NLDS is always the scariest playoff series because it is only five games. Baseball is random; anything can happen, but the possibility of having Fried and Strider on the mound for four out of five games should make Braves fans feel a lot more comfortable. The decision-making is also made much easier for Brian Snitker. All he has to figure out is who should pitch Game 3.
As of right now, I would give the edge to Charlie Morton because of experience, but the possibility of Kyle Wright also can’t be counted out. He’s on track to return sometime in early September. That gives him just enough time to find his footing before the postseason. If that happens, I’m not sure the Braves could have envisioned a better rotation for the first round of the playoffs.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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