Exploring Braves' options to start NLDS Game 1 against Dodgers
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LOS ANGELES -- Having seen what Ray Kerr did to the Phillies on Thursday night and with left-handed hitters Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman sitting near the top of the Dodgers’ lineup, the Braves may opt to use yet another opener in Game 1 of their National League Division Series against Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon.
Brent Suter would be a top candidate. Dylan Dodd would be another option.
After Kerr limited the Phillies to one hit over 3 1/3 innings in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series, Grant Holmes threw 28 pitches over two innings. Holmes would likely be available to provide a similar workload after an opener Saturday.
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Suter allowed one hit over three scoreless innings while working as an opener in Miami on Sept. 26. The veteran reliever has posted a 1.63 ERA in the 13 appearances he’s made since being acquired from the Angels before the Trade Deadline. Left-handed hitters have batted .189 (7-for-37) against him during this span.
The Braves used only two traditional starters, Chris Sale and Tyler Mahle, during the Wild Card Series. Sale threw 95 pitches in Game 1 and recorded the final four outs of Game 3. He won’t be available in the NLDS before Game 2. Mahle won’t be available before Game 3.
Bryce Elder has made good strides while returning from a procedure that removed bone fragments from his right knee four weeks ago. But he and Martín Pérez, who is on the injured list with back discomfort, will not be available during the NLDS. Both could be available for the NLCS if the Braves advance.