Braves reveal pitching plans after rainout

The Braves flew back to Atlanta on Sunday night to conclude a seven-day road trip that included just three games. This unique journey included two off-days and a pair of rainouts, including one that canceled their Sunday night matchup against Jacob deGrom.

Rain forced the Mets to postpone Sunday's series finale against the Braves at Citi Field. Because Friday’s scheduled series opener was also postponed due to inclement weather, these two division rivals will now square off in doubleheaders scheduled for June 21 and July 26 in Queens.

If you’re keeping count, the Braves have played a total of nine innings since leaving Boston on Wednesday. The hope is the long layoff will not adversely affect the hitters’ timing.

“Every ballpark has a velocity machine that is good and you trust,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “They rev that thing up and stay as sharp as they can. But there’s nothing like the real game. It’s just something we’ve got to deal with.”

Snitker said he will keep Charlie Morton lined up to oppose the Nationals on Monday and move Sunday’s scheduled starter Max Fried to Tuesday.

Morton will be pitching with an extra day of rest in Monday’s series opener against the Nationals. But Fried will be pitching with three extra days of rest on Tuesday. Drew Smyly will have two extra days of rest entering Wednesday’s start and Ian Anderson will be on regular rest when he starts Thursday’s series finale against the Nationals.

“It gets messed up,” Snitker said. “Guys are pitching with way too much time off. But what are you going to do? You just have to deal with it.”

Pache update
Cristian Pache felt some groin discomfort as he was preparing to begin a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday night. So, the Braves’ top prospect will have to wait until at least Tuesday to begin playing again.

Pache, who ranks as MLB Pipeline’s No. 11 prospect, has had a rough time since beginning the season as the Braves’ starting center fielder. He has produced a .358 OPS over 68 plate appearances for Atlanta and struggled to stay healthy. He was placed on the injured list in April with a strained left groin, while his current IL stint was necessitated by right hamstring inflammation.

Once Pache’s rehab stint is complete, there’s a good chance he’ll be kept at Triple-A Gwinnett to further his offensive development.