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After clinching the National League East crown for the fourth year in a row, the Braves had nothing to play for in this weekend’s regular season finale against the Mets. Huascar Ynoa made his scheduled start Friday night, and now Jesse Chavez will start Saturday night in what will be a bullpen game.
Chavez owns a 2.27 ERA across 31.2 innings this season out of the bullpen.
Chavez served as the opener last Sunday afternoon in San Diego and tossed a scoreless inning before giving way to Drew Smyly. One would assume the Braves will follow a similar pattern against New York on Saturday.
With the No. 3 seed locked in for the playoffs, it seemed probable the club would opt for two bullpen games this weekend to close out the regular season. There is no reason to risk injury with Charlie Morton or Max Fried in a meaningless game, and it will be an opportunity for each of the relievers to get some work in before a lengthy delay prior to the NLDS starting Friday, October 8.
First pitch on Saturday night is scheduled for 7:15pm. Carlos Carrasco will start for the Mets.