Braves could opt for four starters on NLDS roster

ATLANTA -- The off-day between Games 1 and 2 is the first of three slated within the format of this year’s best-of-five National League Division Series.

Max Fried's blister appears to be healing, but there’s still seemingly a need to have a backup plan for his expected Game 2 start. And if Bryce Elder is the Game 3 starter, might there be a need for what could potentially be a long relief appearance in a second straight game?

These are just a few of the things the Braves will weigh as they determine how to fill the 26-man NLDS roster they will have to submit by Saturday morning. They will host the Phillies in Game 1 on Saturday at 6:07 p.m. ET.

Based on what was learned during Friday night’s workout, here is the latest projection:

STARTING PITCHERS (4): Spencer Strider, Fried, Elder, AJ Smith-Shawver

As long as Fried doesn’t have any lingering issues with the blister, he and Strider could combine to make four of the potential five starts in this series. Because of the off-days, none of these starts would be made on short rest.

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So the Braves may not use more than three starters. The question is whether the Braves will give the ball to Elder in Game 3. The All-Star hurler seemed to fatigue at the end of this season, his first full year as a Major Leaguer. He allowed 13 runs and totaled just 12 1/3 innings over his final three starts.

Whether the Braves go with Elder or not, they will need to carry somebody who can give them length. Smith-Shawver has made a great impression between last week’s spot start against the Nationals and this week’s intra-squad matchup against most of Atlanta’s regulars.

Elder was one of the most valuable contributors throughout the season. The extra rest he received over the past week might have been just what he needed to regain his command. If so, he might be the best option for Game 3.

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If the Braves advance to the NL Championship Series, they could have Charlie Morton back. The veteran right-hander strained a ligament in his right index finger on Sept. 22.

RELIEF PITCHERS (8): Raisel Iglesias, A.J. Minter, Pierce Johnson, Joe Jiménez, Kirby Yates, Brad Hand, Daysbel Hernández, Michael Tonkin

One glaring issue is the Braves are preparing to face Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper with just two left-handed relievers (Hand and Minter). The good news is Hand has handled both of these left-handed sluggers. Harper went 0-for-2 against Hand this year and Schwarber went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott are two other Philly left-handed hitters who went hitless against the Braves’ southpaw this year.

Does carrying 12 pitchers for a five-game series that includes three off-days feel like overkill? Maybe. But there’s certainly a need for insurance.

Tonkin was a significant contributor this year, but faded down the stretch. Still, after giving him some extra rest over the past week, the Braves are ready to give him his first chance to be on a postseason roster.

DH (1): Marcell Ozuna

You never want to forget the Big Bear.

CATCHERS (2): Sean Murphy, Travis d'Arnaud

Both of these guys would be replaced by a pinch-runner in certain late-inning situations. So, there’s a chance they could choose to carry Chadwick Tromp as a third catcher.

INFIELD (6): Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Orlando Arcia, Austin Riley, Nicky Lopez, Vaughn Grissom

Grissom is expected to get the nod to serve as a potential pinch-hitter. The Braves don’t lose anything at second base or shortstop when Lopez is asked to play either of those positions.

OUTFIELD (5): Eddie Rosario, Kevin Pillar, Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr., Forrest Wall

Wall could prove to be a valuable pinch-runner.