The Atlanta Braves have implemented an extra-rest strategy for their starting pitchers to prioritize their health and freshness. This approach has been particularly successful for pitchers Reynaldo López and Chris Sale. López, who has made seven starts on six or more days’ rest, leads all MLB qualifiers with a remarkable 1.57 ERA in 13 starts. Meanwhile, Sale, with six such starts to his name, boasts a stellar 10-2 record and a 2.91 ERA, tied for the MLB wins lead. The Braves’ plan seems to be paying off as both pitchers have excelled in their performances.
Sale’s latest start against the New York Yankees further showcased his dominance. In five innings, he allowed just one run and one hit while striking out eight batters. The Yankees’ formidable trio of Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton struggled to make an impact against Sale, going 0-for-6 with five strikeouts. Braves center fielder Jarred Kelenic acknowledged the difficulty of facing Sale, citing his combination of a left-handed delivery, high velocity (98 mph), and precise location on both sides of the plate.
Friday’s win for the Braves was highlighted by early home runs from Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. Ramón Laureano, a recent addition to the team, impressed with three doubles. Sale could have kept the Yankees scoreless and hitless for five innings if not for a misplayed fly ball by left fielder Adam Duvall. These strong offensive performances combined with Sale’s dominant outing demonstrate how the Braves’ pitching and hitting are finally clicking, making them a formidable contender once again.
However, questions arise regarding the sustainability of the Braves’ extra-rest strategy. While it has undoubtedly benefited their pitchers thus far, there may come a point in a tight playoff race when the team needs their starters to pitch on regular rest. Charlie Morton, the Braves’ fourth-best starter, acknowledges that the team may have to adjust their approach later in the season when important games arise. He points out that pitching on normal rest during high-stakes games can be challenging, especially during the dog days of August and September when fatigue sets in. Morton appreciates the current extra-rest schedule but acknowledges the need to condition oneself to pitch on regular rest in order to be ready for crucial moments.
Despite these considerations, the Braves’ priority remains keeping their starting pitchers healthy. The team’s general manager, Alex Anthopoulos, affirms that they have no plans to shut down any pitchers and fully intends for them to make their starts, whether that amounts to 25, 30, or 32 starts. The Braves have experienced setbacks in recent seasons with multiple starters falling ill or getting injured down the stretch and during the postseason. This year, they aim to avoid similar situations by implementing their extra-rest strategy.
While the Braves have relied on a six-man rotation recently to provide additional rest, this has not been without its challenges. Fill-ins for the fifth and sixth spots in the rotation have struggled, highlighting the need for stability in those positions. The team anticipates the return of Ian Anderson after the All-Star break, who has been recovering from Tommy John surgery and could provide a boost to the rotation. Additionally, there is the possibility of a trade to acquire a reliable back-of-the-rotation innings eater.
Max Fried, one of the Braves’ top three starters, expresses his preference for pitching on regular rest whenever possible. However, he recognizes the necessity of adapting to schedule changes due to rainouts and off days. Fried believes that as they face a stretch of consecutive games without any days off, they will have to transition back to regular-rest starts. He emphasizes the importance of pacing themselves while staying sharp to be ready for the end of the season.
In terms of individual performances, Sale has excelled in starts with at least six days of rest, boasting a 5-0 record and a 2.02 ERA in those games. López has also thrived in similar situations, with a remarkable 1.05 ERA in his seven starts on six or more days’ rest. However, the schedule is likely to change in the coming months, necessitating more regular-rest starts. The pitchers understand this and acknowledge the need to be prepared for such scenarios.
As the Braves continue to navigate the season, their extra-rest strategy has proven effective in keeping their starting pitchers healthy and producing stellar performances. However, they must also consider the demands of a tight playoff race and the postseason, where regular-rest starts may become crucial. Finding the right balance between rest and regularity will be key for the Braves as they strive to contend for a pennant.