The Atlanta Braves are entering a new era with Walt Weiss stepping up as the new manager following Brian Snitker's retirement. Weiss, who has been a familiar face as the Braves' bench coach, now takes the reins of a team that still boasts plenty of talent. His previous managerial experience with the Colorado Rockies, where he compiled a 283-365 record, gives him a foundation to build on, even if those years didn't bring top finishes.
Despite a promising offseason, the Braves have hit some early bumps in the road. Injuries have already begun to challenge their pitching staff, with Hurston Waldrep being the latest casualty.
Waldrep's arm issues could require surgery, though initial reports show no ligament damage. The Braves are awaiting further tests to determine the next steps.
Atlanta had its sights set on bolstering the rotation during the offseason, eyeing trades for high-profile pitchers like Sonny Gray, who eventually joined the Boston Red Sox. The Braves also explored options with Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta, showing a clear intent to strengthen their pitching lineup.
General manager Alex Anthopoulos was actively seeking a dependable starter, but when trade discussions didn't pan out, the Braves didn't turn to the free-agent market. This decision now looms large, as the team's rotation depth is being tested early on.
Missing out on Gray, in particular, could be a significant setback. With injuries already affecting the rotation, the Braves might find themselves in a precarious position if their remaining pitchers can't rise to the occasion. The pressure is on for the team to navigate these early challenges and keep their season on track.