Braves Face Elimination
Tyler Mahle Pitches Through Injury in Playoff Loss as Braves Face Elimination
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Key Points
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Mahle said the abdominal scare did not affect him during the start and would not keep him from pitching again if Atlanta advanced; manager Walt Weiss said the team was still unsure he could start right up until game time.
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Mahle held Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper to a combined 1-for-6, relying heavily on his splitter after escaping a first-inning jam.
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In 54.1 innings over nine regular-season starts for Atlanta, Mahle posted a 1.99 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP and a 48:9 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
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Game 2 was Mahle’s first postseason appearance; before joining Atlanta, he had a 5.13 ERA in 18 starts for San Francisco, compared with a 1.99 ERA in nine starts with the Braves.
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By completing seven innings, Mahle left nearly every Atlanta pitcher capable of covering multiple innings available for Game 3, easing the bullpen burden as the Braves considered using an opener.
Tyler Mahle pitched seven strong innings for Atlanta in Game 2 against Philadelphia, allowing just one run despite pulling an abdominal muscle while warming up. The Braves lost the game as their bullpen faltered, but Mahle's performance showcased his value as the team weighs bringing him back next season. His effort left Atlanta facing a critical Game 3 without a traditional starter ready to go.
How Mahle Gutted Out His First Playoff Start
Mahle felt the abdominal strain before the game began, but he told the team it would not affect his pitching. Manager Walt Weiss remained uncertain whether Mahle could start right up until game time. Once on the mound, Mahle silenced doubts by escaping a first-inning jam and leaning heavily on his splitter. He held Philadelphia sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper to just 1-for-6 combined.
A Strong Season Ended in Atlanta Despite Earlier Struggles
Mahle's regular season with the Braves was remarkable. In nine starts spanning 54.1 innings, he posted a 1.99 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and a 48:9 strikeout-to-walk ratio. That stood in sharp contrast to his time with San Francisco, where he posted a 5.13 ERA across 18 starts. The turnaround made Game 2 his first postseason appearance—and a strong case for Atlanta to retain him.
Bullpen Collapse Overshadows Mahle's Dominant Seven
Mahle's seven innings kept Atlanta's relief pitchers fresh heading into Game 3. By eating up most of the innings himself, he left nearly every Atlanta pitcher capable of covering multiple innings available for the next game. That depth mattered as the Braves prepared to use an opener in Game 3. But his solid work could not prevent the loss as the bullpen faltered in the late innings.
Atlanta Faces Game 3 With Thin Rotation Options
The Braves now turned to unconventional choices for Game 3: Grant Holmes and left-hander Ray Kerr emerged as expected options to cover the innings. Atlanta's shortage of starting-pitching depth reflected mounting injuries and a lack of rotation reinforcements at the deadline. That problem persisted regardless of whether the Braves advanced or fell short—a roster weakness that demanded attention.
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