The bad weather currently affecting Atlanta has complicated the Braves’ pitching plans. With five games left in the season, Truist Park will host the Royals for a three-game series this weekend, and if needed, a doubleheader against the Mets on Monday. This could force the Braves to use five different starting pitchers over four days, which is far from ideal with a potential Wild Card Series starting on Tuesday.
Manager Brian Snitker and his staff now face tough decisions. Chris Sale, who’s expected to win his first Cy Young and leads MLB in several pitching categories, seemed like the obvious choice to start Friday. Starting him then would also make him available for Game 2 of the Wild Card Series. However, if his start is pushed back, he might miss pitching in the Wild Card round altogether.
According to Mark Bowman from MLB.com, the Braves have opted to delay Sale’s start. Max Fried will pitch on Friday, with the rest of the rotation undecided. Snitker is handling the situation as it unfolds but confirmed that Sale will pitch if the Braves face elimination.
Braves are going Fried (Fri.), TBA, TBA for this weekend's series against KC . Snitker said Sale is fine when asked the past two days. The question is why push Sale back to Sat. or Sun. when knowing this means the WC series could end without him making a start. Waiting to hear.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 26, 2024
With the schedule potentially demanding eight games in seven days, Brian Snitker faces a no-win situation. It’s a tough predicament, but it’s part of the job, and there are several reasons why this decision is puzzling.
First, holding back Chris Sale almost certainly rules him out for the Wild Card series, meaning both Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach could be unavailable if the season comes down to the final game. It’s hard to see the Braves winning a road playoff series without their two best pitchers sitting on the sidelines.
Momentum is another key factor. The Braves have struggled to build it all season, but they’re finally in a good spot, having won five of their last six games, including a crucial win over the Mets. To keep that momentum going, a dominant performance from Sale on Friday could give the team the confidence boost they need to survive the next week.
Braves are literally going day-to-day based on their results and those of both the D-backs and Mets. So, we won't know Saturday's starter until Friday's games are complete. Tough situation. But with Fried, Sale, Lopez, Schwellenbach and Morton the Braves have good options. https://t.co/8PAIoSg0hb
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 26, 2024
Additionally, keeping the pitchers in a state of uncertainty isn’t ideal. Pitchers, especially starters, are creatures of habit who rely on their routines, and too much rest can negatively affect them.
However, the biggest issue is Chris Sale. At 35, he’s been the best pitcher in baseball this season and the main reason the Braves even have a shot at the postseason. It’s baffling that he’s set to pitch only once in a crucial 10-game span, which included several off days, and could miss the Wild Card series if the Braves secure a spot. How does that make sense? The only explanation is poor management, plain and simple.
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