The Atlanta Braves NLDS playoff roster announcement has multiple surprises
The Atlanta Braves have announced their 26-man NLDS roster.
The Atlanta Braves spent the 162 game series utilizing the entire 40-man roster and then some. Their depth was a key reason for their success in 2023. However, we have now reached October, meaning only the top talents and the best matchups will make the roster.
Finally, after five days without meaningful baseball the Braves are set to play the Phillies tonight at Truist Park in game one of the NLDS. Now, we have the official 26-man NLDS roster. There are a couple surprises that we will touch on in this article, but follow along as we breakdown the entire squad the 2023 Braves will roll with in the NLDS.
Starting Pitchers (4)
Spencer Strider, Max Fried, Bryce Elder, AJ Smith-Shawver
Leading up to this series, all eyes were on Max Fried as he was nursing a hot-spot on his finger. The Braves were ultra cautious with Fried and Atlanta fans finally had their minds at ease yesterday when the team announced him as the game 2 starter.
The other question with this was how the Braves will attack game 3. Elder has long been regarded as the expectation, but that may very well depend on how the first two games play out.
The decision to carry rookie AJ Smith-Shawver allows the Braves to go a variety of directions. He has really been impressing people in camp recently, and as we know power pitching is a hot commodity this time of year. Don’t rule out the rookie getting a big assignment in this series.
Relief Pitchers (8)
Raisel Iglesias, A.J. Minter, Pierce Johnson, Joe Jimenez, Kirby Yates, Brad Hand, Michael Tonkin, Daysbel Hernandez
With the two scheduled off days in this short series, an abundance of pitching was a necessity. Carrying 12 pitchers total isn’t something I would expect the Braves to repeat, should they reach the NLCS.
If games stay on schedule like the Braves want only three or four of these relievers will be used in key roles. Just like in the NBA during the playoffs where the bench shortens, the bullpen usually sees the same select few trusted relievers make appearances in the postseason (Just go back and watch the Braves 2021 run).
These names have all contributed a healthy amount all year, but the surprise of this group was Daysbel Hernandez. This is where we just missed on our roster predictions, as we thought someone like Jesse Chavez or Kyle Wright would get the nod over Hernandez.
The surprise came yesterday afternoon, when Braves beat writer, Mark Bowman announced Hernandez would be on the roster. Daysbel wasn’t on our radar because he had been out since August 1st with forearm inflammation. His power fastball and slider certainly are the types of pitches that play in October though, so I see the Braves reasoning for putting him on the roster.
Catchers (2)
Sean Murphy, Travis d’Arnaud
The only conversation to be had here was if the Braves desired to carry a third catcher (Chadwick Tromp in this case) like previous postseasons. However, with the universal DH now that isn’t a much needed case anymore.
Designated Hitter (1)
Marcell Ozuna
Perhaps the Braves hottest hitter in the final week of the regular season, let’s hope the big bear continues to roll in this series.
Infield (6)
Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Orlando Arica, Nicky Lopez, Vaughn Grissom
The same four who started nearly every game for Atlanta should be expected to do the same in the NLDS. Nicky Lopez provides amazing defense should an unfortunate injury occur.
The surprise of this group is Vaughn Grissom, who had an amazing year with Gwinnett. As we’ve mentioned the universal DH has changed things so it’s not likely Grissom is used. However, should the Braves be in a close game and decide to pinch run for someone like Olson, and then that pinch runner get an AB later in the game, that seems to be the scenario in which Grissom would be called upon.
Outfield (5)
Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr., Eddie Rosario, Kevin Pillar, Forrest Wall
The outfield will look the same as it did in the regular season with left field being the only spot to change based on the platoon of Rosario and Pillar.
As expected the Braves did indeed put Forrest Wall on the roster whose base stealing prowess will be the number one option should the Braves need a pinch runner late in a close game. Just a short couple weeks ago our, great writer Mitchell put together an amazing piece on how Wall could be utilized in the playoffs, so be sure to check that out.
That’s a wrap on the roster breakdown, we’ll have more content to preview this NL East matchup taking place in the postseason so stay tuned here at the site.