The Atlanta Braves are set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, but can their pitching hold up against the Dodgers' potent offense? The Dodgers are built to go on a run, and they've made some key moves to bolster their lineup, including signing Edwin Diaz to be their shutdown closer.
However, Diaz hasn't been that guy this year, and the Braves' pitching injuries are a major concern heading into the NLDS. Chris Sale gave the Braves 6 1/3 innings while allowing three runs and striking out nine in Game 1 against the Phillies, but the Braves have pitching injuries all over the place.
Despite these concerns, the Braves have a strong offense to back them up. Michael Harris II helped end the Braves' six-game losing streak in winner-take-all playoff games with a three-run homer off Aaron Nola in the first inning. The Braves beat the Phillies 6-2 in Game 3 of their NL wild card series, and Ozzie Albies added a 419-foot, two-run homer in the fourth off Zack Wheeler.
Can the Braves' Pitching Hold Up Against the Dodgers' Offense?
The Dodgers' offense is a major concern for the Braves, and they'll need to find a way to shut them down if they want to advance to the NLCS. According to Sports Illustrated, the Dodgers are the hottest team in baseball right now, and they're leading the league with four homers as a team in the wild-card round.
- The Dodgers are built to go on a run.
- The Dodgers signed Edwin Diaz to come in and be the team's shutdown closer.
- The Padres are the hottest team in baseball right now.
- The Padres led baseball with a 0.50 team ERA while also leading the league with four homers as a team in the wild-card round.
The Braves' Pitching Injuries are a Major Concern
The Braves' pitching injuries are a major concern heading into the NLDS, and they'll need to find a way to overcome them if they want to advance to the NLCS. According to Sports Illustrated, the Braves have pitching injuries all over the place.
It's worth noting that the Braves' pitching injuries are not just limited to Chris Sale. The team has also been dealing with injuries to their bullpen, including closer Will Smith, who has been dealing with a shoulder issue. This has forced the Braves to get creative with their pitching staff, and it remains to be seen how they will line up for the NLDS.
Will the Braves' Offense be Enough to Carry Them to the NLCS?
Despite these concerns, the Braves have a strong offense to back them up. Michael Harris II helped end the Braves' six-game losing streak in winner-take-all playoff games with a three-run homer off Aaron Nola in the first inning. The Braves beat the Phillies 6-2 in Game 3 of their NL wild card series, and Ozzie Albies added a 419-foot, two-run homer in the fourth off Zack Wheeler.
The Braves' offense has been a bright spot for the team this season, and they'll need to continue to produce if they want to advance to the NLCS. According to ESPN, the Braves' offense has been one of the best in the league this season, ranking second in the National League in runs scored.
Sources
- Yahoo Sports: Who do the Braves play next in MLB playoffs? Atlanta has date with champs
- Sports Illustrated: NLDS Fatal Flaws: Brewers, Dodgers, Braves, Padres
