Braves will be without $3.5M All-Star for NLDS vs. Dodgers as starting pitching falters

The Atlanta Braves will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS with a lot of questions surrounding their starting pitching. It is already a tough ask to go up against the Dodgers, but it is even tougher with an unclear pitching plan.

Atlanta suffered a major blow to its starting rotation during the final week of the regular season when Martín Pérez went down with an injury.

"The Braves' rotation depth was dealt another blow on Thursday, when it was learned that Martín Pérez will likely not be available during the first two rounds of the postseason. The Braves placed Pérez on the 15-day injured list with lower back inflammation," MLB.com's Mark Bowman wrote.

The veteran All-Star would be able to come back in Game 3 at the very earliest. Even that expectation would be very optimistic considering the injury is inflammation.

"Assuming Martin Perez's IL move is backdated to Monday, he wouldn't be eligible to return until Oct. 6 (NLDS Game 3). Weiss said he doesn't know if Elder will be available by the start of the IL. That's probably optimistic to think he could return before the NLCS," Bowman posted.

On Friday, Braves manager Walt Weiss met with the media to discuss the upcoming series against the Dodgers. It was there that he confirmed Pérez will not be back for the NLDS at all, as he is still getting over his injury.

"Walt Weiss said Lane Thomas is a possibility for this Division Series against the Dodgers. Bryce Elder and Martin Perez won't be on the roster. Both could be ready if the Braves advance to the NLCS," Bowman wrote.

Atlanta will now be without another starting pitcher in this series. The team is going to have to count on guys like AJ Smith-Shawver and likely JR Ritchie to really eat some innings in the first two games.

Pérez is on a $3.5 million contract with the Braves this season. It does hurt to lose Pérez, but if they can get past LA, they will certainly have him against whoever is in the NLCS. For all the factors included, it does hurt not to have Pérez on the roster for this huge series.