Atlanta Braves Projected Starting Rotation for MLB Playoffs

The Atlanta Braves will have to rely on several young, inexperience arms when you look at their rotation options for the MLB Postseason, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing, as each has the talent to be a future fronline starter. Manager Brian Snitker can be creative, especially with that Game 4 guy, but here's a look at the Braves' best projected starting rotation when they begin their 2019 playoff run against the Cardinals Thursday in the NLDS.

1. LHP Dallas Keuchel

Dallas Keuchel may not have an overpowering repertoire, but the former Cy Young winner is battled-tested and has the kind of postseason experience that bodes well for this Braves team to begin a series. Oh, and over his last seven starts he owns a 3.07 ERA. Keuchel is pitching well at the right time of year, so there's no doubt he should get the ball for Game 1 agains the Redbirds.

2. RHP Mike Foltynewicz

It would've been crazy to give Mike Foltynewicz a playoff start, much less a Game 2 start, even a month or two ago. But since coming back from Triple-A, he looks like the 2018 vintage that earned an All-Star nod. Over his last seven starts, Folty is 4-1 with a 1.73 ERA and has 36 strikeouts over 41.2 innings. Even though he has the stuff to blow away opposing lineups, Foltynewicz doesn't have to rely on strikeouts to shut down an opposing lineup, and from an emotions standpoint, he needs the home crowd to get him through these intense playoff games.

3. RHP Mike Soroka

Yes, Mike Soroka has been brilliant over the course of his rookie season and will get some Cy Young consideration, but he's struggled a bit recently despite being dominant (1.55 ERA over 16 starts) on the road. He has the mindset to pitch at a high level despite the pressures of the postseason, so he deserves that chance in the middle games of a series.

4. LHP Max Fried

Both Max Fried and Julio Teheran have struggled a bit down the stretch, and you could see Teheran get the start if Fried needs to come out of the bullpen early in the series and eat up innings-- but when you compare who has the best possible chance to dominate an opposing lineup, Fried is the guy. To Teheran's credit, he held the Cardinals bats to just one earned run over two starts this season, but I'd say the Redbirds offense is a lot different then it was back in May.