NEW YORK -- While the Braves seem to have indicated Dallas Keuchel, Mike Foltynewicz and Mike Soroka will serve as their starters during the first three games of the National League Division Series, they know Max Fried could influence each of these games in one role or another.

After Foltynewicz allowed two homers for the first time in nearly two months, Fried came out of the bullpen to provide 3 2/3 scoreless innings in a 3-0 loss to the Mets on Saturday night at Citi Field. The Braves will evaluate these outings and the ones completed by their other two rotation candidates while making their NLDS plans.

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“You’ve got to go with the big picture with all of this,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “I hate going off of [one game like today’s] because I think you need to know. Our roster in the postseason will definitely be opponent-driven. That’s why we have internal discussions and weigh scenarios. We’ll wait and see after tomorrow.”

The most important variable might be the to-be-determined opponent. The Braves know they will host the NL Central winner in Games 1 and 2 on Thursday and Friday. But they would not learn their opponent until Monday if the Cardinals and Brewers are tied atop the division when play ends on Sunday.

“You look at matchups and what guys have done against each opponent,” Snitker said. “It could change. That’s why I don’t think it behooves us to announce anything because we’re not sure what we’re going to do. We have a lot of guys in place, and we have a lot of guys ready.”

Foltynewicz faced the minimum through the first two innings and proved perfect during his fourth and final inning. But the right-hander surrendered Rene Rivera’s two-run homer and Pete Alonso’s solo shot during a three-run third. Alonso’s blast over the center-field wall was his 53rd homer, a new MLB rookie record.

Though Foltynewicz surrendered two homers for the first time since Aug. 6 -- his first start after being recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett -- this start will not erase the possibility he will start one of the first two games of the NLDS. The former All-Star entered this outing having posted a 1.19 ERA over his past six starts, and he showed the capability of being a big-game pitcher when he tossed eight scoreless innings as the Braves clinched the NL East with a Sept. 20 win over the Giants.

Foltynewicz’s rejuvenation has been one of the most memorable developments this season. The 27-year-old hurler started Game 1 of last year’s NLDS, missed most of this year’s Spring Training with an elbow ailment and then was demoted to Gwinnett in June. Approximately two months after returning to the Majors, he’ll be making a much-deserved postseason start.

“I’m just thankful to be on the roster this year,” Foltynewicz said. “The last two months, ever since I got called up, I’ve been trying to win a spot and trying to prove the beginning of the year wasn’t me.”

Fried surrendered just one hit and recorded five strikeouts while retiring 10 of the 12 batters he faced. The left-hander has produced a team-high 17 wins and has shown he can be a matchup problem against some clubs. He’s always been considered a candidate to start Game 4. But this outing showed the value he could provide both as a starter or a reliever who could bridge the gap to the later innings when necessary.

“At the end of the day, it’s the playoffs,” Fried said. “You just got to go out there, and whatever role they ask me to do, I’ll be able to do. It doesn’t matter if you’re starting or coming out of the ‘pen. It’s about getting outs and helping your team win.”

Freeman update
Since spending four days resting a right elbow that has been bothered by a bone spur, Freddie Freeman has gone 1-for-8 with three strikeouts in the two games he has played. More concerning was the fact it appeared Freeman was favoring his right arm while playing Saturday’s game.

When asked about Freeman’s status, Snitker deferred to the veteran first baseman. But Freeman was not available when the media entered the clubhouse.

Freeman said he wanted to play each of the three games in this series. But the Braves may opt to let him rest again until Wednesday with the hope that his elbow will not be a problem when the NLDS begins on Thursday.

Acuña update
Leadoff man and outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. will miss his fourth straight game on Sunday. But the Braves are not concerned the strained muscle between Acuña's left hip and groin will prove to be a lingering problem.

Snitker said Acuña will see live pitching when the Braves work out at SunTrust Park on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The 21-year-old outfielder shagged balls during Saturday’s batting practice, and he’ll likely increase his running exercises within the next few days.