The more excruciating thing is that even without Acuna and Soroka this team is still capable of winning the NL. This is not homer talk. They can compete with the NL West big dogs and should have two series wins over both but Snitker’s moronic bullpen decisions costed Morton and Fried two more wins.Coach Saban would love both Snitker and Smith because of their "consistency of performance". Snitker always calls on Smith if he is available and Smith almost always delivers a "thrilling" performance.
On a more serious note: what would the Braves have done without Soler and Duvall? They would likely have at least 6 fewer wins and thus be "out of the playoffs".
Morton comes through again in a big moment in his career. He did this for Houston in playoffs and especially the WS.
Fried has been terrific down the stretch, giving up 4 runs in 4 starts averaging 7.0 IP, Braves are 4-0; including 0 runs, 7 base runners, incredible WHIP of 0.4375 in 16 IP in his last 2 starts vs SF and SD who are number 1 and 7 in NL in team OPS, i.e., good offensive lineups.
Because of them the Braves could make a little noise in the playoffs. Anderson is a decent-good 3rd starter and until his last couple of starts Ynoa seemed worthy of being a Game 4 starter. But Atlanta has trouble hitting great pitching (everyone has more trouble of course, but it "seems" like the Braves are worse than most, though I don't really know). This is where they will really miss Acuna, who can hit anyone. Atlanta usually murders mediocre pitching. Mil has great pitching but the Braves could have success vs their offense too.
We couldn’t ask for a better matchup in a potential NLDS than the Brewers. So really anything is possible for this team if the manager doesn’t get in the way… but what hope is there of that happening? I was shocked he actually called an intentional walk on McCutchen.