ATLANTA -- The Braves have the option to start Max Fried in Game 1 and Charlie Morton in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series at Truist Park. But manager Brian Snitker said there’s a chance Morton would be pushed to Game 3 to give him extra time to recover from starting Game 4 of the NL Division Series on short rest.

“That will be part of the discussion,” Snitker said after the Braves held a workout at Truist Park on Thursday afternoon.

The Braves are facing the Dodgers in the NLCS, and it seems safe to assume Fried will be the Game 1 starter. If Morton is indeed pushed back to Game 3, the Game 2 start could go to Ian Anderson, who has allowed just one run in his first five career postseason starts.

Morton threw 85 pitches in Game 1 of the NLDS and 69 more when he made the short-rest start in Game 4 on Tuesday. He’d be on regular rest on Sunday for Game 2. But pushing the 37-year-old vet back to Game 3 provides some extra rest and also puts him in line to start Game 7 if necessary.

Fried, Morton and Anderson will serve as the Braves’ starters during the first three games of the NLCS. The opponent will also influence how Atlanta might start Game 4. Some of the options could include Drew Smyly, A.J. Minter and Huascar Ynoa. Using a lefty like Minter or Smyly as an opener, for example, would cause the Giants to determine whether to begin the game with their left-handed or right-handed lineup.

Soler update
There’s a chance Jorge Soler could be removed from the COVID-19 injured list before the NLCS concludes. But the Braves are preparing to be without the big outfielder for the best-of-seven series.

“I don't know if he'll be here for the NLCS; that's how we have to approach it,” Snitker said. “Until he shows up, is cleared and does everything that MLB needs him to do, I’ve got to look at it like he's not going to be here.”

Soler learned he had tested positive for COVID-19 while preparing to play Game 4 of the NLDS on Tuesday.

Dansby Swanson will likely be the Braves’ leadoff hitter and Joc Pederson will likely be the primary right fielder until Soler returns.

Live BP
Smyly and Ynoa were among the pitchers who stayed sharp by throwing live batting practice during Wednesday’s workout. It’s an exercise that certainly benefits pitchers. But Adam Duvall was among the hitters who took advantage of a chance to track some pitches and take swings at a few others.

“It was good, and it was great for the guys that hit also,” Snitker said. “It’s amazing all the guys who want to get in there and get an at-bat.”