Braves and Cardinals Set for Split Doubleheader to Conclude Series
ICARO Media Group
The Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up for a split doubleheader on Wednesday to complete their three-game series. After being rained out on Tuesday, the teams will play the first game at 1:45 p.m. ET, followed by the second game at 7:15 p.m. ET.
In the early game, the Braves will send Reynaldo López to the mound. López has been impressive this season with a 1.57 ERA through 13 starts, which would lead the majors if he had enough innings to qualify. In his last two starts, López has not allowed a single run over 11 innings, recording 14 strikeouts and just two walks.
On the Cardinals' side, Kyle Gibson will take the mound for the early game. Gibson last started on June 14, pitching seven scoreless innings against the Cubs before being sidelined due to back tightness.
For the second game, the Braves will give Bryce Elder the start instead of Chris Sale. Elder, who last pitched in the majors on May 19, has a 6.46 ERA across five starts this season. However, he did record a solid 2.77 ERA in four starts at Gwinnett in June.
The Cardinals have yet to announce their plans for the second game, with Andre Pallante likely to factor into the mix either as the starter or in a bulk relief role.
In Monday's 4-3 loss, the Braves faced difficulties against the Cardinals' pitching, but managed to rally late. Austin Riley contributed with his eighth home run of the season, while Ozzie Albies narrowly missed a potential game-tying homer in the eighth inning.
In terms of injuries, Orlando Arcia left Monday's game due to dizziness and was subsequently absent from Tuesday's lineup. Manager Brian Snitker revealed that Arcia had undergone hospital checks, but everything had come back normal. Infielder Luke Williams has been called up to the active roster, with Brian Anderson placed on the 10-day injured list due to a bacterial infection. Zack Short will fill in at shortstop until Arcia is ready to return.
With a busy schedule, the Braves will travel to Chicago on Wednesday night for a makeup game against the White Sox on Thursday afternoon before returning home.
Fans can catch the action of both games starting at 1:45 p.m. ET for the first game and 7:15 p.m. ET for the second.