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Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker said earlier this week that either R.A. Dickey or Max Fried would get the start in Sunday’s season finale. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s David O’Brien reports that it will be Fried who gets the start after Dickey turned down the opportunity.
#Braves' Dickey will pass on making last start Sunday, ATL will start Fried in season finale.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) September 28, 2017
Snitker indicated that it would be Dickey’s choice if he wanted to make another start this season. He pitched well in Tuesday’s loss to the Mets allowing five hits and two runs over 6 2/3 innings. He made 31 starts for the Braves this season and is 10-10 with a 4.26 ERA.
Dickey’s situation for next season is unclear at this point. His contract includes a team option for 2018 that is worth $8 million. The Braves haven’t yet indicated whether or not they plan to pick up that option but Dickey is also mulling retirement and has yet to commit to returning for another season.
Fried last pitched in the second game of Monday’s doubleheader taking the loss after allowing seven hits and one earned run in 5 1/3 innings. He has appeared in eight games this season at the major league level, including three starts and 1-1 with a 3.74 ERA.
Update
Dickey's choice to not start on Sunday should not be viewed as confirmation he plans to retire. He hasn't made his decision.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 28, 2017