Braves: Predicting Atlanta’s postseason starting rotation

The Atlanta Braves would have a strong starting rotation should they make the postseason.

After a dreadful first half to the 2021 MLB season, the Atlanta Braves have been among the hottest teams in baseball since the All-Star Break.

Atlanta has taken a commanding lead in the NL East in the latter days of August. The Braves were only one win away from getting back to the World Series a season ago. Assuming Atlanta can win its division for the fourth year in a row, we have to wonder what the starting rotation could look like. The good news is the Braves are in an infinitely better spot with its rotation than a year ago.

Here is what the Braves could do when it comes to assembling its postseason starting rotation.

Atlanta Braves: What could their 2021 postseason starting rotation look like?

Huascar Ynoa is probably a long-inning guy, but could potentially spot-start

While it is great to have right-hander Huascar Ynoa back from his self-inflicted broken hand, he is not expected to be a starter in the Braves’ rotation unless Brian Snitker opts to roll five deep. If he does, then by all means, let Ynoa have his day in the sun. However, he projects as a long-inning guy or a pitcher Atlanta can lean on should one of the other starters falter in his biggest moment.

Drew Smyly offers value, but his postseason role is very much up for debate

Though he will give up the big fly on occasion, left-hander Drew Smyly is having one of his best seasons in the big leagues this year. The crafty southpaw has a great curveball that makes any hitter look stupid. While he was only signed this year to be a third-or-fourth starter, it remains to be seen what his postseason role will be. Smyly will have one, but maybe not a top-three spot.

And we turn our attention to the three guys who are getting postseason starting rotation spots.