The Atlanta Braves are kicking off a short two-game series in Washington against the Nationals with AJ Smith-Shawver on the mound, taking on Jake Irvin. Here is your fifteen-minute scouting report for today's game.

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Lindsay Crosby answers Braves Today mailbag questions on September call-ups (including Blake Burkhalter and why Kyle Farmer’s emergency catching matters) and how a potential lockout could affect 40-man decisions. He breaks down whether Atlanta could knock the Phillies out of the postseason, outlines a non-traditional playoff pitching plan with Tyler Mahle and piggyback options like Bryce Elder and A.J. Smith-Shawver, and discusses next year’s rotation/bullpen outlook. Crosby projects possible 2028 middle-infield combos (Alex Lodise, John Gil, Tate Southisene, or Mauricio Dubón), names baserunning as an October X-factor, weighs Ha-Seong Kim on a cheap deal, and shares thoughts on Ronald Acuña Jr.’s future. He closes by noting the sudden passing of his dog, Bandit.

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The Braves are calling up former Auburn closer Blake Burkhalter, a 2022 second-round pick, after dominant Triple-A work as a multi-inning reliever. Lindsay Crosby breaks down his four-pitch mix, fastball velo/ride gains, cutter origins, and the key MLB question: getting lefties out to earn an October bridge role.

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Follow Lindsay on Twitter: @CrosbyBaseball
Read our written work: bravestoday.substack.com
Get 20% off at NCase Cards with promo code "BravesToday

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