Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo López confirmed to media on Wednesday that he is ready to return.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post suggested that the Atlanta Braves will acquire a pitching advantage in the two remaining games against the New York Mets, which will now be played as a doubleheader on Monday.
While left-hander Chris Sale may not start twice, as Sherman predicted, the advantage could come from the return of right-hander Reynaldo López.
The 30-year-old’s last pitch was on September 10. But he made it obvious to reporters in the hours following the team’s announcement that it will play five games in four days shortly before the start of the postseason that he is prepared to go.
“Whatever the team wants to do, obviously, it’s their call,” López said through translator Franco Garcia, according to Justin Toscano of The AJC. “But if you ask me how I feel, I think I’m ready to go out there.
“I feel like I could go out there today if needed.”
López’s comeback might provide a significant boost to the Braves. Even if he just pitches 3-4 innings against the Kansas City Royals this weekend, the organization may save a different starter for Monday’s doubleheader.
Alternatively, the Braves might put him in the bullpen for several innings on Saturday or Sunday to free up other relievers for Monday.
The way Braves manager Brian Snitker handles his pitching staff in the next days will have a significant impact on whether the team makes the playoffs. Sale and fellow left-handed pitcher Max Fried were scheduled to face the Mets on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Instead, they will get extra rest before the weekend.
Does Snitker pitch Sale on Friday and Fried on Saturday? If the Braves win both games, they can move into a playoff berth with a single loss to the Mets or Arizona Diamondbacks.
Should the Braves sweep the Royals, they might secure a playoff spot before Monday’s doubleheader. Then, Snitker could rest his guys, including critical pitchers, the day before the playoffs began.
But if Monday’s doubleheader matters to the Braves, as it most likely will, and Sale and Fried pitch this weekend, the Braves will enter the last two games against the Mets without their top two starters and with the season on the line.
Does Snitker start López in one game this weekend and preserve Sale or Fried for Monday? It could be hazardous to start López because he hasn’t pitched in over two weeks.
However, pitching López on Monday increases the danger if the Braves need to win both games of a doubleheader.
López’s return complicates the decisions Snitker must make this weekend. However, the right-hander appears to be eager to pitch, which is a good sign for the Braves.
