Braves Name Ray Kerr to Start NLDS Game 2

The Atlanta Braves named left-hander Ray Kerr to start Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, choosing him over Chris Sale after the ace pitched twice in the Wild Card Series. The decision came with Atlanta trailing 1-0 in the best-of-five series after a 5-3 loss in Game 1. Kerr made his only postseason appearance so far in the Wild Card Series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies, throwing 3⅓ scoreless innings. In nine regular-season appearances for Atlanta, he recorded a 1.47 ERA. The Braves will rely on him as they try to even the series before it moves to Atlanta. Sale started the Wild Card opener, pitching 6⅓ innings, then came out of the bullpen in the deciding game two days later to record the final four outs on 21 pitches. Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said before Game 1 that Sale’s availability and how he felt would inform the decision, while also saying Sale would pitch in the series. The team ultimately did not select him for Sunday’s start. The reports did not establish the Braves’ internal deliberations or provide a direct update on Sale’s condition.