Braves NLDS Gm 1 FAQ (MLBN/FS1, Tues.)

October 2nd, 2020

ATLANTA -- Having swept their National League Wild Card Series against the Reds, the Braves will now square off against the Marlins in the NL Division Series. Miami knocked off the Cubs in two games to advance.

The Braves will travel to Houston on Sunday to enter the bubble and prepare to begin the NLDS on Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. Game 1 will be shown on either MLB Network or Fox Sports 1. The start time will be announced once the pairings are set.

Here are some questions you might have about the NLDS:

What will the Braves do over the next few days?

All of the Braves players, coaches and select staff members have been staying at the Omni Hotel, which is adjacent to Truist Park, since Sept. 23. The team will get some pitchers work during a simulated game on Friday and then likely have another workout on Saturday.

“We’ll give them a mental break,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “But nothing good can come from sitting around a hotel and watching TV all day.”

What might the rotation look like?

was lined up to start Game 3 of the Wild Card Series if necessary. Given that and can now start the first two games of the NLDS with normal rest, Wright may now be lined up to start Game 3 of the NLDS. If so, he’ll likely be among the pitchers who work during Friday’s simulated game.

Beyond Fried, Anderson and Wright, it’s unclear whom the Braves might go to for the final two games of the NLDS. Because there are no off-days within the best-of-five series, Atlanta would need to go with five starters or possibly bring Fried back on short rest if necessary for Game 5.

The Braves could opt to use Bryse Wilson and Huascar Ynoa as starters during the NLDS. With its deep bullpen, Atlanta could opt to enter a game with the thought to give Wilson, Ynoa or possibly Josh Tomlin a chance to get through a lineup once or twice.

Are there any injuries?

says his left wrist will continue to bother him until he’s given a chance to rest it during the offseason. But he went 4-for-11 during the Wild Card Series and has hit 10 homers over the 30 games he’s played since coming off the injured list (left wrist inflammation) on Aug. 26.

“It’s the same pain all of the time,” Acuña said. “If I want it to not hurt, I wouldn’t be able to play because they would have to do something that would probably end my season. So my choice is to not play or to play through it. I know it’s something I can control. The pain is manageable and tolerable. I’m going to ride it.”