Braves make big changes to their NLDS roster

Just hours before the first pitch of the NLDS, the Braves have announced their roster, and they made some pretty significant changes.

Most notably, Lane Thomas returns from the IL after dealing with an intercostal strain. That’s a massive addition for this series. Thomas has crushed left-handed pitching all season — an area where the Braves have struggled — and the Dodgers are set to throw two southpaws, Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell, in the first two games.

Additionally, the young guns AJ Smith-Shawver and JR Ritchie were included on the NLDS roster after being left off in the Wild Card Series. Those three have taken the place of Dominic Smith, DaShawn Keirsey Jr., and Luke Williams.

The Braves enter the NLDS really lacking starting pitching. Chris Sale and Tyler Mahle were really good against the Phillies. Grant Holmes is another option they trust, but there could come a point in this series where they need Smith-Shawver or Ritchie to give the club big innings. Some unexpected contributions will have to happen throughout the week if the Braves are going to have enough pitching to top the Dodgers.

It all starts in a few hours, with Dylan Dodd getting the call in Game 1. The hope is that he can get through a couple of innings, but this will be an all-hands-on-deck bullpen game — arguably the biggest strength of the Braves all season.

Here’s a look at the entire NLDS roster: