3 biggest questions the Atlanta Braves are facing heading into NLDS

1. Will the starting pitching be healthy enough to give the Atlanta Braves offense a chance?

Max Fried will return, but will the Atlanta ace struggle to settle back into the rotation right away after a long layoff? It is a fair question and one that is going to be even more important now that Charlie Morton is missing extended time and Strider is coming off of a rough final start of the season.

When Strider is locked in, there isn't anyone better. However, he has also shown if his fastball isn't elevating, it can quickly leave the park and it will start to snowball. Atlanta needs Fried to be great from the start if they really are going to be able to count on their starting rotation.

If the team gets bounced before the World Series, it is going to be because of their lack of starting pitching and injuries, not an elite Atlanta offense. Atlanta has found a way to win all season despite consistent starting pitching struggles and injuries.

The postseason obviously is an entire different animal and the Braves need a level of stability from this group to have a real chance at their second ring in the last three seasons.