The Atlanta Braves will make the final stop on their road trip Friday night when they begin a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Left-hander Ray Kerr will make his first career start for the Braves while Pittsburgh will go with lefty Bailey Falter.
Kerr, who was optioned to Gwinnett on May 20, was recalled Friday after AJ Smith-Shawver was placed on the 15-day injured list with an oblique strain. Kerr made a good impression during his first stint on the roster and showed the ability to pitch multiple innings. He logged 3 1⁄3 innings against the Padres after Bryce Elder was knocked out early and Brian Snitker noted after the game that they might stretch him out to start. Kerr has appeared in four games for the Braves and has allowed three runs in 9 1⁄3 innings. He hasn’t walked a batter and has 10 strikeouts.
It isn’t known how long the Braves are hoping for him to go Friday. He threw 64 pitches in last Sunday’s game against San Diego. Darius Vines is also on the active roster and hasn’t pitched since he was promoted on May 21.
Falter will make his 10th start of the season for the Pirates in Friday’s game. He has had an up and down season, but is coming off of a 7 2⁄3 shoutout performance against the Cubs. A big part of Falter’s success has been his ability to get weak contact hit in the air which isn’t always a recipe for success.
In addition to adding Kerr, the Braves signed veteran infielder Joey Wendle to a major league contract and optioned Luke Williams to Gwinnett. The Braves are also still waiting on the return of Austin Riley who has missed the last 11 games with an intercostal inflammation. Riley has been progressing slowly and the Braves haven’t rushed him. He worked out on the field Thursday and could return soon.
Friday’s game is scheduled to get underway at 6:40 p.m. ET and can be seen on Bally Sports South.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Friday, May 24th, 6:40 p.m. ET
Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
TV: Bally Sports South
Streaming: MLB.tv
Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan
