The Atlanta Braves NLDS playoff roster announcement has multiple surprises
By Chase Owens
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.