MLB44 min ago1 minute read

Braves Change Pitching Plans as Ray Kerr Starts Game 2 Against Dodgers

The Atlanta Braves are starting Ray Kerr in Game 2 against the Dodgers, pushing Chris Sale back to Game 3 to give him extra rest.

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Braves Pivot to Ray Kerr for Game 2

The Atlanta Braves have made a major change to their pitching rotation for the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ray Kerr is set to start Game 2 on Sunday. This decision means that Chris Sale will be pushed back to start Game 3 of the best of five series instead.

The Dodgers currently hold a 1-0 lead in the series, putting extra pressure on the Braves to perform on Sunday. The Braves decided to shift their plans to protect Chris Sale. Sale was called upon to pitch in relief during Game 3 of the National League Wild Card series against the Philadelphia Phillies. He did so on just one day of rest. Because of that heavy workload, Atlanta opted to give him some extra rest rather than sending him to the mound on Sunday.

Another Bullpen Game for Atlanta

Ray Kerr will be making his fifth career start when he takes the mound on Sunday. Kerr is fresh off a strong performance in the wild card round against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he was the surprise starter in the series clinching game. In that matchup, which marked his postseason debut, Kerr threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings to help his team advance.

With Kerr starting on Sunday, the Braves are preparing to stage their second consecutive bullpen game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team will rely on a series of relief pitchers to get through the game as they try to even up the series before heading into Game 3.

What it means for the next game

Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB, Mon, 05 Oct): Los Angeles Dodgers win 63%, Atlanta Braves win 37%; projected score Los Angeles Dodgers 5, Atlanta Braves 3. Our safest pick: Braves +3.5.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves (MLB, Tue, 06 Oct): Atlanta Braves win 41%, Los Angeles Dodgers win 59%; projected score Atlanta Braves 4, Los Angeles Dodgers 5. Our safest pick: Over 6.5 runs.