Braves announce pitching plans ahead of division leaders battle
· Yahoo Sports
The Atlanta Braves have announced their pitching plans ahead of a crucial three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, with MLB’s regular season entering its final weeks and the National League East race heating up.
Atlanta will send AJ Smith-Shawver, Raynaldo López and Martín Pérez to the mound in the three-game set, which begins Tuesday.
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Smith-Shawver leads series rotation
Sep 1, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver (32) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Smith-Shawver will open the series for the Braves. The 23-year-old right-hander has appeared in only four games this season and has struggled, posting a 7.13 ERA while allowing 14 runs on 20 hits over 17.2 innings.
His most recent outing came on Sept. 1 against the Washington Nationals, when he surrendered five earned runs on six hits over four innings in a 9-5 defeat. Atlanta will be hoping the young pitcher can deliver a stronger performance against Tampa Bay.
López is scheduled to start the second game and is expected to return from the injured list after being sidelined since Aug. 2 with a knee issue. The 32-year-old has recorded a 3.64 ERA and 66 strikeouts across 71.2 innings this season.
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Pérez anchors finale
Sep 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Martin Perez (33) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)López has also spent considerable time in Atlanta’s bullpen this season, although he started six consecutive games before his injury. His return would provide the Braves with another experienced option as they push toward October.
Pérez is expected to take the ball in Thursday’s series finale. The 35-year-old left-hander struggled in his last start, giving up four earned runs on seven hits in just 3.2 innings during Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Pérez has worked on extended rest before each of his last two appearances, but he is expected to return to a normal schedule for Thursday. Despite his recent struggles, he has enjoyed a strong season overall, posting a 3.25 ERA over 124.2 innings.
Atlanta enters Monday’s action with an 85-58 record and a 4.5-game lead over Philadelphia in the NL East. The Braves have 19 games remaining and will first finish a four-game series against the Phillies on Monday before opening their homestand against Tampa Bay.
With the postseason approaching, Atlanta’s rotation will be under the spotlight as the Braves look to protect their division lead.
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