With Chris Sale Scratched, Former Dodgers Top Prospect Needs to Save Braves Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers may have already clinched a playoff spot but there is one slot remaining in the National League playoff picture. The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves entered Monday, both with a chance to clinch their spot in the playoffs.
The two teams were to play a doubleheader due to poor weather that postponed some games last week. The Mets grabbed a win in the first game, sending themselves to the postseason.
But heading into the second contest, the Braves saw their worst nightmares come to life. Starting pitcher Chris Sale was scratched due to back spasms and former Dodgers prospect Grant Holmes was being called upon to start.
Luckily for Atlanta, Sale isn’t likely going to the injured list but this isn’t ideal for them in a must-win game. Holmes, 28, has made 25 appearances for the Braves this season, posting an ERA of 3.78. He has made six starts for Atlanta throughout his time this season.
The right-hander was drafted in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Dodgers and was once a top prospect in the Dodgers’ loaded frame system. He made his MLB debut this season and is now being thrust into a potential season-saving situation.
If Atlanta were to win the second game of the doubleheader, they would go on to clinch the No. 5 seed in the NL wild card. That would mean they would be taking on the San Diego Padres in a best-of-three series.
But if the Mets claimed the second game, Atlanta would be eliminated. If this scenario were to happen, the Mets would clinch the No. 5 seed and play the Padres. The Arizona Diamondbacks would then become the No. 6 seed and go on to play the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Dodgers will play whichever team emerges from the No. 4 and No. 5 matchup. The wild-card series begins on Tuesday, Oct. 1 and the Dodgers will know their NLDS opponent by the end of the day, Thursday, Oct. 3.
Los Angeles opens up the NLDS at Dodger Stadium this Saturday, Oct 5. They claimed the top record in the playoffs and will have home field throughout the entire postseason if they make it that far.
Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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