Braves: 3 pitchers who can start World Series game voided by Charlie Morton

Drew Smyly has plenty of starts under his belt and already shined in October

The answer is pretty clear here. Of course, this may not be where Braves manager Brian Snitker’s head is at, but Drew Smyly is more than capable of getting the start for Atlanta in Game 4 at home. Though he has been used more out of the bullpen over the last several weeks, he did pitch fantastically in 3.1 innings of relief vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the 2021 NLCS.

He may have given up two earned runs and his postseason ERA may be 5.40, but Smyly came in there and gave the Braves what they needed at that point of the series. Atlanta won the game in Los Angeles convincingly 9-2 to take a 3-1 series lead over the defending World Series champions. Factor in that Smyly already has 23 starts for the Braves under his belt and he should be the guy.

As with Tucker, or conceivably Wright, Atlanta is not going to ask the Game 4 starter to pitch deep into the ballgame. The Braves are looking for somewhere around four or five innings before handing it over to the bullpen. Though Smyly will give up the big fly, he is at his best when his nasty curveball falls off the face of the earth. Look for his role to be expanded in the World Series.

If Atlanta hopes to win the World Series, the Braves need Anderson and Fried to pitch fantastically.