The Braves are heading into the NLDS against the Dodgers with their rotation in rough shape, and the latest update only tightens the squeeze.
Martín Pérez, the $3.5 million All-Star, will not be on Atlanta’s roster for the series, leaving the Braves without another arm they were hoping to lean on. The setback came after Pérez landed on the 15-day injured list with lower back inflammation during the final week of the regular season.
“The Braves’ rotation depth was dealt another blow on Thursday, when it was learned that Martín Pérez will likely not be available during the first two rounds of the postseason. The Braves placed Pérez on the 15-day injured list with lower back inflammation,” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman wrote.
There was some faint hope that Pérez could possibly be back by Game 3, but even that timeline looked shaky. Bowman later posted, “Assuming Martin Perez's IL move is backdated to Monday, he wouldn't be eligible to return until Oct.
6 (NLDS Game 3). Weiss said he doesn't know if Elder will be available by the start of the IL.
That's probably optimistic to think he could return before the NLCS," Bowman posted.
That uncertainty was cleared up Friday when Braves manager Walt Weiss met with reporters. Weiss confirmed Pérez would not be available for the NLDS, saying the veteran is still working his way through the injury.
Bowman also reported, “Walt Weiss said Lane Thomas is a possibility for this Division Series against the Dodgers. Bryce Elder and Martin Perez won’t be on the roster. Both could be ready if the Braves advance to the NLCS,” Bowman wrote.
For Atlanta, that leaves even more pressure on the starting staff in a series already stacked against them. The Braves will likely need AJ Smith-Shawver and JR Ritchie to handle a heavy workload, especially in the first two games.
The good news, if there is any, is that Pérez could still be in play if Atlanta gets through Los Angeles. But for this NLDS, the Braves will have to try to get by the Dodgers without him.
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