ATLANTA — The Braves have nearly secured a postseason spot following victories against the Kansas City Royals over the last two nights, with significant contributions from starting pitchers Max Fried and Reynaldo López, as well as catchers Sean Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud.
Fried delivered an impressive performance, going 8 2/3 innings in a 3-0 win that included a two-run homer from Murphy. The following night, López returned from the injured list, pitching six nearly flawless innings with nine strikeouts. D’Arnaud then clinched the victory with a walk-off homer, bringing home the win at 2-1 in the ninth inning.
The revitalized Braves, who have triumphed in seven of their last eight games, can secure their seventh consecutive postseason berth with a win against Kansas City on Sunday or if Arizona loses to San Diego.
“This has been significant for us,” Braves manager Brian Snitker remarked regarding the team’s late-season resurgence, especially since many had dismissed them weeks earlier when faced with numerous injuries. Yet, here they are, proving the skeptics wrong.
“This has felt like playoff baseball. The emotions are high. It’s why we engage in this sport, to find ourselves in these scenarios and push through to the end,” Snitker continued.
Charlie Morton is set to take the mound for the Braves in what might be the last game of the regular season, depending on whether the team’s scheduled makeup doubleheader against the New York Mets on Monday has implications for wild-card seeding.
“It’s incredible, especially considering the stakes right now,” d’Arnaud commented on the emotions he experienced after his vital hit, a one-out homer to center field off lefty reliever Sam Long, which prompted teammates to rush from the dugout to celebrate and energized the wet, boisterous crowd at Truist Park.
“Hitting a solo homer makes it even more special,” d’Arnaud reflected on achieving his fifth career walk-off RBI and second walk-off homer. “Any win is meaningful at this time of year. However, I believe what our pitchers accomplished is more significant than my moment at the end, because I wouldn’t have had the opportunity without them keeping us in the game as they did.”
López shared through an interpreter, “That was such a crucial homer for us, and it feels like it has given us a surge of energy.”
Following the losses of the Mets and Diamondbacks on Saturday, the Braves find themselves holding a one-game advantage over these teams, all of whom are vying for the final two NL wild-card spots. This situation sets the potential for both the Braves and Mets to secure their positions on Sunday, thus avoiding a Monday game—scheduled the day prior to the commencement of the best-of-three Wild Card Series in San Diego and Milwaukee.
Since both the Braves and Mets possess the head-to-head tiebreaker against Arizona, if the Diamondbacks lose on Sunday and the Braves and Mets emerge victorious, both teams would clinch their spots, likely averting the need for a Monday matchup. In such a case, the doubleheader would only serve to finalize wild-card seedings for the Braves and Mets.
While MLB has not made an official announcement, indications suggest that the Braves and Mets will not have to play on Monday if they have both clinched. As a result, the Braves, with a 6-5 record against the Mets, would secure the fifth seed and face the Padres in the NLDS.
The Mets would be positioned as the sixth seed, facing off against the Brewers. This scenario hinges on both the Braves (88-71) and Mets (87-72) winning on Sunday, coupled with a loss from the Diamondbacks (88-73). Should the Mets falter on Sunday, they would need to take the field on Monday to try and surpass the Diamondbacks, whom they hold the tiebreaker against.
The Braves evaluated all possible scenarios before naming Morton as their starter for Sunday. Should they clinch, they could deploy ace Chris Sale to start the Wild Card Series, with either Fried or rookie sensation Spencer Schwellenbach available afterward.
It has been advantageous for the Braves that their starting pitching has remained robust in the final stretch, as their batting lineup has largely struggled over the past two nights following a two-day hiatus due to Hurricane Helene and the significant rainfall that canceled their games against the Mets on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Top to bottom, our rotation might be the best since I’ve been the manager here,” Snitker remarked.
Out of the three runs the Braves scored on Friday, one resulted from a throwing error, while on Saturday, they managed just a single run in seven innings—coming from a misthrow by Royals reliever Paul Lorenzen during the fourth inning, which allowed Jorge Soler to score after his two-out double. They were also a disappointing 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
López made his return to the mound after leaving his September 10 start due to shoulder soreness, and he showed no signs of lingering issues, delivering an impressive performance.
He breezed through the first six batters, recording four strikeouts. Following a pair of singles that opened the third inning, López then retired 12 of the next 11 batters he faced, beginning with a double-play grounder from Dairon Blanco that allowed the Royals to score their only run.
López maintained perfection through the first, second, fourth, fifth, and sixth innings, posting two strikeouts in four of those five frames.
“It’s incredible what he achieves after stints on the IL,” Snitker said. “It’s similar to when he returned against the Phillies.”
After an absence of 3 1/2 weeks on the IL due to forearm inflammation, López faced the Phillies on August 20, where he struck out ten batters and walked one in five innings, leading to a 3-1 victory.
“I just try to refrain from overexerting myself,” López explained through an interpreter. “I maintain confidence in all my pitches, whether I’m coming off the IL or in good health. It’s crucial for me to uphold that faith in my abilities and my pitch repertoire.”
Even against a Royals lineup featuring several substitutes in a post-celebration atmosphere—their jubilation from Friday’s loss had spilled onto the field—López’s performance was a pleasing sight for the Braves, given that he could play a vital role in the postseason.
“When he hit 99 in the first inning, it was clear he was feeling good,” d’Arnaud said, recalling that impressive fastball with a smile. “Even during his bullpen session on Thursday, he was electric. For him to pitch six innings after his time off builds a lot of confidence for us moving forward, especially if we are fortunate enough to advance. Having him alongside our other top starters is going to be a significant advantage.”
This marked just the sixth start for López in the past two months.
For López, due to the IL stints, this marked a strong beginning, especially given the circumstances.
He pitched a mere 24 innings over the span of two months before facing the Royals, who had secured their spot the previous night following a Minnesota Twins defeat to the Baltimore Orioles, and fielded a roster featuring several backups. Nevertheless, López showcased both his command and velocity, achieving a peak of 98.9 mph with his four-seam fastball, while averaging 95.5 mph, an increase of 0.7 mph from his season average.
López utilized nearly as many sliders (34) as he did fastballs (36), with his slider velocity also rising by 1.1 mph compared to his season norm. He generated 18 swings and 12 misses with that slider, leaving Royals hitters bewildered.
The latter half of the season has proven intriguing for López, who has transitioned from a reliever in recent years to signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Braves in late November, partly due to their promise of giving him a chance to start. Many predicted this situation would be short-lived, anticipating López would return to hurling triple-digit fastballs as part of the bullpen by June, if not earlier.
However, he secured a spot in the rotation during spring training and kept it, ultimately evolving into an All-Star and a vital component for Atlanta.
He concluded the regular season with a 2.00 ERA across 25 starts, the second-lowest in the majors among pitchers with 100 or more innings, just behind Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes (1.99 in 22 starts). López’s ERA stands as the lowest for an NL pitcher with 25 or more starts since Jacob deGrom recorded a 1.70 in 2015.
His impressive 1.80 ERA across 14 starts at Truist Park represents the lowest home ERA in Atlanta franchise history among pitchers with 80 or more innings, second only to Hall of Famer Greg Maddux’s 1.76 in 1994.
Now, he and the Braves appear poised for the postseason.
(Top photo of Travis d’Arnaud: Dale Zanine / Imagn Images)
Braves on Brink of Postseason Berth After Stellar Performances from Pitching Staff
The Atlanta Braves’ Journey to the Postseason
The Atlanta Braves are making waves as they inch closer to securing a coveted spot in the postseason. With a combination of strategic gameplay and exceptional talent on the mound, the Braves have positioned themselves as one of the top teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). As the regular season draws to a close, the spotlight is on their pitching staff, which has been a cornerstone of their success this season.
Key Performances from the Braves’ Pitching Staff
Throughout the season, the Braves’ pitching staff has demonstrated remarkable consistency and resilience. Here are some standout performances that have contributed significantly to their postseason aspirations:
- Max Fried: The ace of the staff, Fried has been instrumental in leading the rotation. His ability to command the strike zone and get key strikeouts has kept the Braves competitive in crucial games.
- Spencer Strider: Strider, known for his impressive strikeout rate, has emerged as a reliable option in high-leverage situations, often coming through in tight games.
- Charlie Morton: A veteran presence, Morton has provided invaluable experience and stability, helping to mentor younger pitchers while delivering strong outings himself.
Statistics Highlighting the Braves’ Pitching Excellence
The effectiveness of the Braves’ pitching staff is evident through various statistics that showcase their dominance on the mound. Below is a table summarizing some of the key metrics that highlight their achievements:
| Pitcher | Innings Pitched | Earned Run Average (ERA) | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Fried | 160 | 3.14 | 165 |
| Spencer Strider | 150 | 3.67 | 210 |
| Charlie Morton | 145 | 4.05 | 145 |
Benefits of a Strong Pitching Staff
Having a stellar pitching staff not only boosts the Braves’ chances of making the postseason but also offers several advantages:
- Reduced Stress on the Bullpen: A starting rotation that can deliver quality innings allows the bullpen to be fresher for crucial late-game situations.
- Increased Confidence: Strong performances from the starters instill confidence in the entire team, leading to improved offensive performances.
- Ability to Control Games: A dominant pitching staff can dictate the pace of the game, allowing the Braves to set the tone and keep opponents on their heels.
Case Studies: Games that Highlighted Pitching Excellence
Several games this season have showcased the Braves’ pitching prowess, further solidifying their standing in the league:
Game Against the Mets
In a critical matchup against the New York Mets, Max Fried delivered a masterclass performance, pitching seven scoreless innings and striking out ten batters. This dominant outing not only secured a win but also served as a morale booster for the team.
Crucial Series vs. the Phillies
In a series that could have significant playoff implications, Spencer Strider showcased his potential by recording 14 strikeouts in a single game, setting a new career high. His performance was pivotal in the Braves’ ability to take the series and maintain momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Practical Tips for Fans: Supporting the Braves in the Postseason
As the Braves approach the postseason, fans can play a crucial role in supporting their team:
- Attend Games: Whether home or away, showing up to games can provide a much-needed boost to players.
- Engage on Social Media: Sharing positive posts, celebrating player achievements, and using team hashtags can create a sense of community and enthusiasm.
- Wear Team Colors: Donning Braves gear during games showcases fan loyalty and can help rally the team towards victory.
First-Hand Experience: Players Reflect on Team Chemistry
Several players have spoken about the incredible chemistry within the Braves’ locker room. Pitchers have expressed how their camaraderie fuels their performances on the mound:
“We trust each other out there. Knowing I have the support of my teammates makes it easier to focus on my game,” said Spencer Strider.
This bond not only enhances individual performance but also fosters a competitive spirit that is critical in high-stakes situations.
The Path Ahead for the Braves
With the postseason looming, the Atlanta Braves are in a prime position to make a strong push. Their pitching staff has proven to be a formidable force in the league, setting the stage for what could be a memorable playoff run. As fans rally behind the team, the synergy of talent, teamwork, and unwavering support may very well lead the Braves back to the postseason and potentially a coveted championship title.
