If the "out west" schedule has you out of the loop, the Atlanta Braves have been demolishing the Rockies through the first two games of the series. Bryce Elder went six innings in the first game which should tell you all you need to know and Atlanta had their way with Colorado on both sides of the ball in the second game. This has honestly looked like a big league team against a minor league team.
With Wednesday being a getaway day, we could expect to see a guy get a day off and some bullpen arms be avoided. Instead, the Braves are going with a bit sparser of a lineup because, well, why go full strength against this Colorado team.
Braves give some regulars day off against hapless Rockies
As good as Alex Verdugo has been and with the Braves facing a righty in Chase Dollander, you would think that Verdugo at leadoff is a no-brainer. Nope, Michael Harris II is back at leadoff and Verdugo gets a nice day off. Sean Murphy getting a day game off after a night game isn't that weird and we get to see Drake Baldwin who has played well. As for the last outfield spot, that goes to Eddie Rosario who the Braves got back from the clearance bin recently.
Again, you have to take these opportunities while you can. Getaway days can be brutal depending on how late the previous game was and resting players should be a priority. When you are up against one of the worst baseball teams in recent memory, you should take the gamble and give the bench a chance to beat up on a bad team.
There is a chance this could backfire and lead to an embarrassing loss, but it was still a worthy move to make when you are looking at the big picture and the prospect of a very long season.
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