The Atlanta Braves may have caught a much-needed break Thursday night, and it had nothing to do with what happened on the field.
As dark clouds moved toward Truist Park, Major League Baseball postponed the Braves’ series finale against the San Francisco Giants because of incoming bad weather. The game will now be made up on Aug. 31 at 6:05 p.m. ET, a date that had been an off day for both teams.
For a club desperately searching for momentum, the timing of the postponement could prove beneficial. Atlanta enters the weekend on a rough stretch, having dropped six of its last seven games, including the first two contests of the Giants series.
Braves Searching for a Reset
Injuries have only added to the frustration. Ronald Acuña Jr. remains sidelined and is not expected back for at least a few more weeks. His absence has been felt throughout Atlanta’s recent struggles, as the offense continues trying to find consistency without one of baseball’s most dynamic players.
The Braves have also been dealing with concerns surrounding center fielder Michael Harris II. A back issue limited Harris to just one inning across the previous two games, creating another challenge for a lineup already missing Acuña.
There was at least some encouraging news on Wednesday. Harris said his back felt better than expected, and the extra day off created by the rainout could improve his chances of returning during the upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Rotation Gets a Shake-Up
The postponement also alters Atlanta’s pitching plans heading into the weekend.
Veteran left-hander Martín Pérez, who had originally been scheduled to start Thursday against San Francisco, will now take the mound Friday night against Milwaukee. The matchup carries added intrigue because the Brewers are expected to send highly regarded rookie Jacob Misiorowski to the hill.
Misiorowski’s electric arm has generated considerable attention, and the Braves will get an early look at one of the game’s emerging young pitchers as they attempt to get back into the win column.
The revised schedule also benefits Chris Sale, who receives an additional day of rest. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner is now slated to start Saturday.
Looking Ahead to Milwaukee
Bryce Elder will round out the rotation plans by starting Sunday’s series finale against the Brewers.
While rainouts are often viewed as inconveniences, this one arrives at a time when Atlanta may welcome the pause. The extra recovery time could help Harris return sooner, while the pitching staff gains additional flexibility heading into an important series.
The Braves still face the challenge of stopping a slide that has seen them lose six of seven games, but Thursday’s postponement at least provides a brief opportunity to regroup before another tough test begins.
Fans who held tickets for Thursday’s postponed game will be able to use them for the rescheduled contest on Aug. 31, with first pitch set for 6:05 p.m. ET at Truist Park.
