Joctober is no more, at least not in the Atlanta Braves starting lineup for Game 3 of the World Series.
Pederson is one of four moves the Braves made near the trade deadline to remake their outfield on the fly, especially after an injury to Ronald Acuña and a domestic violence situation with Marcell Ozuna. Alex Anthopoulos did his best to add power to the lineup, in the form of Eddie Rosario, Jorge Soler, Adam Duvall and Pederson.
All four have been major contributors in the postseason — and even the World Series — with Pederson and his pearls becoming a major storyline not just for his bat on the field, but his personality off of it.
Nonetheless, a Game 2 defeat puts the Braves in a precarious position heading home. So, what changes did the Braves made heading home?
Atlanta Braves undefeated at home this postseason
The Braves have yet to lose a home game this postseason, and don’t plan on starting in Atlanta on Friday night in what should be a packed Truist Park.
While the Braves did win Game 1, they also lost Charlie Morton for the rest of the season with a broken fibula. Max Fried didn’t perform up to expectations in Game 2, though he did provide some bullpen relief despite giving up six runs and five earned runs.
Ian Anderson will hope to combine both of those efforts on Friday — with the longevity of Fried, and the efficiency of Morton. If he can provide just that, the Braves should come away with a Game 3 victory.