Braves left-handed pitcher Austin Cox had his start Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway suspended, likely leaving him unavailable for Sunday.
During the MLB Speedway Classic first-inning rain delay at Tennessee's Bristol Motor Speedway before the game was suspended until Sunday, Fox Sports reporter Tom Verducci said during the broadcast that a suspension would be a "nightmare scenario" for the Atlanta Braves' pitching staff against the Cincinnati Reds.
Verducci explained that Braves lefty Austin Cox, who threw 17 pitches Saturday night and allowed the Reds to take a 1-0 lead on Austin Hays' RBI single, is the one pitcher in the bullpen who could give the Braves some length. Braves scheduled starter Spencer Strider was scratched during the earlier rain delay because he had already warmed up.
Verducci suggested that with Strider and Cox unavailable, the Braves would be in trouble when the game resumes. Early Sunday morning, the Braves hadn't announced whether Strider will be available Sunday at 1 p.m. Eastern.
The Reds had Miguel Andujar coming up with two runners on base and one run in, in the bottom of the 1st inning, when play was suspended.
Reds rookie Chase Burns, also believed to be unavailable, tossed one inning, striking out two and throwing 18 pitches.
Fox Sports analyst and former Braves great John Smoltz explained during the broadcast that Saturday night's debacle hurts the Reds much more than the Braves.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Austin Cox start Braves' Speedway Classic nightmare scenario vs Reds
Category: Baseball
