The Atlanta Braves officially set the rest of their NLDS rotation this morning.
Spencer Strider will get the start for the defending World Series champions this afternoon in Game 3 of the series in Philadelphia.
Game 4 will be started by veteran right-hander and postseason standout Charlie Morton.
Morton went 9-6 in 2022 with a 4.34 ERA in 31 starts.
Morton has great postseason experience as well, having closed out the 2017 World Series with the Houston Astros.
On Twitter, Braves insider Grant McAuley talked about the importance of Morton and how it ultimately was smart for the Braves to save him for Game 4, which could potentially be an elimination scenario for Atlanta.
The fact Atlanta has an experienced postseason pitcher to turn to in the elimination game scenario is a big reason to hold Charlie Morton in reserve for Game 4.
We already knew both he and Strider have key roles to play for #Braves to win this NLDS, regardless of pitching order.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) October 14, 2022
Morton Set For Game 4
Morton has been a postseason standout for years.
He owns a 7-4 record and career 3.35 ERA in 17 postseason appearances, 16 of which were starts.
Having him available for a potential elimination game is a major plus for the Braves.
They’ll have a guy who has pitched in key spots in October and is no stranger to the pressure and the bright lights of the postseason.
Regardless of whether Game 4 ends up being an elimination game or a potential clincher, the Braves should feel comfortable having a veteran like Morton take the mound.
The 38-year-old posted a 3.24 ERA in four postseason starts last year during the Braves’ run to their first World Series title since 1995.
He was a solid No. 2 starter behind Max Fried last October before injuring his leg in Game 1 of the World Series and being forced to miss the remainder of the postseason.
For now, the next two games of the NLDS bode well for the Braves.
They’ll have their Rookie of the Year candidate today and Morton tomorrow.
NEXT: Braves Insider Details The Spencer Strider Plan