The Atlanta Braves' rotation is thin going into the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Chris Sale and Tyler Mahle were great against the Phillies, but the Braves used an opener and leaned on the bullpen in Game 3, using Sale to close the game. Sale likely won't be available until Game 2 and Mahle until Game 3. What the Braves do in Game 1, and potentially Games 4 and 5, is a big question mark. There was some hope that Martín Pérez could return, but Walt Weiss has ruled him out for the NLDS, per MLB.com's Mark Bowman.
Pérez last pitched on Sept. 20 against the Houston Astros, but then went on the injured list with back inflammation. Pérez is in his 15th season and has had a great year for the Braves. He posted a 3.04 ERA in the regular season, and the Braves could certainly use him.
However, without him, the Braves will have to find ways to win games with their bullpen or other starters.
One of AJ Smith-Shawver or JR Ritchie will likely draw a start against the Dodgers or serve in a bulk role behind an opener. Regardless, it will be very important for the Braves to win the games when they have Sale and Mahle on the mound.
Pérez is an option in the National League Championship Series should the Braves advance.