Braves tab Strider for G3, Morton in G4 of NLDS

PHILADELPHIA -- The Atlanta Braves volition crook to rookie Spencer Strider to commencement Game 3 of their divisional bid against the Philadelphia Phillies connected Friday day and seasoned Charlie Morton volition get the shot successful Game 4, the squad announced Friday morning.

Strider, 23, hasn't pitched successful a crippled since Sept. 18 due to the fact that of a insignificant oblique issue, but aft respective bullpen sessions implicit the past week, the Braves declared him acceptable to go.

The squad waited to marque the announcement arsenic it contemplated however helium would beryllium astir effectual successful the best-of-five bid aft not throwing successful a crippled for astir a month. Atlanta besides could person pitched him retired of the bullpen.

"We're going to usage him," Braves manager Brian Snitker said Thursday. "That's astir apt the biggest discussion, is however we're going to usage this kid for our champion advantage."

Strider was fantastic during the regular season, erstwhile helium posted a 2.67 ERA arsenic a reliever and past a starter. He's apt to decorativeness the twelvemonth arsenic a finalist for NL Rookie of the Year and precocious signed a semipermanent declaration to stay with the Braves.

"I consciousness good, and hopefully it keeps trending successful that direction," Strider said of his wounded recently.

He'll beryllium opposed by Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola.

Meanwhile, 15-year seasoned Morton volition commencement Game 4 for Atlanta connected Saturday. He didn't person his champion play but has a past of performing good successful the playoffs.

Morton, 38, had a 5.40 ERA successful September but has a vocation people 2 runs little successful the postseason. He was 9-6 with a 4.34 ERA successful 31 starts this year. Philadelphia has not named a Game 4 starter.

The bid is tied, 1-1.