ATLANTA — Would you believe that just a few days ago, 25-year old Atlanta Braves pitcher Tucker Davidson was sitting in the lobby of a Gwinnett County Courtyard Marriott eating a takeout salad?
Flash forward to less than one week later and Davidson will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the Braves in Game 5 of the World Series.
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The Braves did not make a fancy graphic or flashy video to make the announcement, just a one sentence statement on Twitter.
Tucker Davidson will be tonight’s starting pitcher.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 31, 2021
Davidson is getting the ball in what is currently the biggest Braves game in the past 26 years. A win tonight and Atlanta will claim their second world championship.
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Unlike Game 4 starter Dylan Lee, Davidson does have experience starting major league games. The 6-2, 215 lb. left-hander started four games for the Braves.
He didn’t get a decision in any of those games, but his ERA was a respectable 4.50.
Davidson missed most of the summer with an inflamed forearm and last pitched in a game Oct. 3 going three innings. He reportedly has been throwing simulated games to keep sharp.
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While not a complete “all hands on deck” game for the Braves, expect to see almost anyone not named Max Fried, Ian Anderson or Kyle Wright be available to pitch in this game.
The Braves are hoping they can get as many innings as possible from him tonight. If the Braves don’t clinch the series, they’ll have a fully rested Fried and Anderson ready to go as needed.
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