Braves announce pitching rotation for upcoming series against Tampa Bay Rays

The Atlanta Braves have set their starting pitching rotation for the upcoming three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays beginning Tuesday. AJ Smith-Shawver is slated to open the series, followed by the expected return of Raynaldo López, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since August 2. Martín Pérez is scheduled to start the series finale on Thursday. Atlanta enters the week with an 85-58 record and holds a 4.5-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East. The team finishes a current four-game series against the Phillies before hosting the Rays at home. While Smith-Shawver and Pérez look to regain form after recent difficult outings, the rotation adjustments aim to bolster the Braves' position as they pursue a postseason berth with 19 games remaining in the regular season.

• 4:51 PMYahoo Sports — Braves announce pitching plans ahead of division leaders battle