Braves looking to close out NLDS in Game 4

The Atlanta Braves will try to close out their NLDS series against the Milwaukee Brewers when the two teams meet again in Game 4 Tuesday afternoon at Truist Park. Joc Pederson delivered a pinch-hit, three-run home run in the fifth inning of Game 3 to propel the Braves to a 3-0 win and a series lead. Ian Anderson and the Braves bullpen held the Brewers scoreless for the second straight game.

Neither team has announced their pitching plans for Game 4 yet. The assumption was that Atlanta would go with a bullpen game but Brian Snitker said following Game 3 that everyone is on the table including Game 1 starter Charlie Morton on short rest.

“Later on this afternoon we’ll kind of narrow it down,” Snitker said of Game 4. “We’ve talked to a few guys about some possible scenarios and we’ll narrow it down later on this evening.”

“Everybody’s on the table.”

Morton hasn’t started a game on three days rest since his rookie season with the Braves in 2008. Morton did close out Game 7 of the 2017 World Series with a four-inning relief stint on three day’s rest and has plenty of experience in closing out series in his career. One advantage the Braves have in considering Morton is that they would have Max Fried on full rest and ready to go in a potential Game 5 Thursday if needed.

Right-hander Huascar Ynoa would be another option but he struggled somewhat after returning from the injured list posting a 5.05 ERA, albeit with a 4.08 FIP, in 46 1/3 innings. A.J. Minter made the only start of his career in Game 5 of the NLCS last season and could be called upon again. Neither Minter or Ynoa have made an appearance in the series yet.

Drew Smyly would be another option to pitch Tuesday as well. Smyly hasn’t started a game since August 30 but made six relief appearances in which he allowed just two runs in 11 innings.

Game 4 is a must-win situation for the Brewers and will seemingly be all hands on deck from a pitching standpoint. However, Craig Counsell said following Game 3 that he wasn’t considering bringing back Game 1 starter Corbin Burnes on short rest.

One option would be lefty Eric Lauer who is on full rest and hasn’t pitched since October 1. Lauer will likely figure into the equation in what could turn into a bullpen game for the Brewers.

We will add additional updates once Game 4 starters are announced so be sure to check back with us throughout the day.

Game 4 is scheduled to get underway at 5:07 p.m. ET and can be seen on TBS.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Tuesday, October 12, 5:07 p.m. ET

Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia

TV: TBS

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan, WNNX 100.5, Braves Radio Network