FOX Sports Southeast Atlanta Braves reporter Paul Byrd joined the Midday Show with Andy and Randy ahead of their series with the Washington Nationals this season.
The Braves will start their series with a double-header featuring both Tommy Milone and Josh Tomlin on the mound, two names that weren't a part of the starting rotation when the shortened season began in July.
The rotation has been a question mark since the season began with Cole Hamels being placed on the 45-day DL and Felix Hernandez opting out. That was followed by poor performances by Mike Foltynewicz that forced manager Brian Snitker to send him down to Gwinnett. Then, Braves ace Mike Soroka tore his Achilles during a freak play that ended his season prematurely.
That has left Max Fried as the Braves No. 1. Prospect, and now starter, Ian Anderson has shown he can be a mainstay in the rotation after two stellar starts.
Byrd told the Midday Show that despite the ever-moving starting rotation, the Braves can still win a World Series as-is. And the Nationals have shown us why.
"Where would this team be without Max Fried?" Byrd asks. "Without Max Fried, this team is not in first place in my opinion. I think they would have really struggled."
"I hope Ian Anderson can continue to pitch like he does. I don't get too excited after two starts."
"But the Nats proved all you need is two starters in the playoffs, so we'll see what happens...all you've got to do this year is give the ball to the bullpen. They're really good and this lineup is scary."