After all they've been through this season, the Atlanta Braves might need a rookie to answer the call for them when it matters most.
The Braves have overcome a slew of injuries this season to miraculously still be on track for fall ball. Entering Tuesday, Atlanta held the last National League Wild Card position by one and a half games over the New York Mets.
Marcell Ozuna has had an MVP-caliber season for the Braves and has been a huge reason why they are where they are. The same can be said for Chris Sale, who will most likely end up with his first Cy Young award this year.
Beyond Ozuna, Sale, and Reynaldo López, who can Atlanta look to consistently to carry them through the playoffs, presuming they get there?
According to a new report released Monday, the Braves could be relying heavily on a rookie starting pitcher. In a piece entitled “Ranking MLB's 10 'Real' Contenders for the 2024 World Series”, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly ranked Atlanta at No. 7 and listed rookie hurler Spencer Schwellenbach as the X-factor for the Braves.
"X-Factor: Spencer Schwellenbach," Kelly said. "The 24-year-old righty has pitched serviceably for manager Brian Snitker's squad, with a 4.04 ERA and 3.40 FIP across 13 starts."
"He could prove to be a better No. 4 starter than 40-year-old Charlie Morton if the Braves get to a seven-game series in the postseason. He would become even more important if any of Sale, Fried or López isn't available to pitch in the postseason."
Schwellenbach was selected by Atlanta with the No. 59 overall pick in the 2021 draft. He underwent Tommy John surgery shortly after signing his first deal with the Braves, resulting in Schwellenbach missing the 2022 season.
After working his way up through the minors in 2023 and at the start of this season, Schwellenbach was promoted to the bigs on May 29.
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