The Atlanta Braves approached this offseason with a confident stride, having swiftly secured several key deals. Yet, one crucial task remained unfinished: adding another reliable starter to their rotation. Opting to stick with their current lineup, the Braves now face the repercussions of this decision as injuries have taken a toll on their pitching staff.
The latest setback involves promising young right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach, who has been sidelined with inflammation in his right elbow. The Braves are cautiously optimistic, hoping it's merely bone spurs rather than a more serious issue. Schwellenbach's absence is a tough pill to swallow, especially with the season approaching.
Adding to the Braves' woes, Hurston Waldrep's situation has also raised concerns. Manager Walt Weiss revealed that Waldrep might require surgery to address 'loose bodies' in his arm. While an MRI thankfully showed no ligament damage, further tests are pending to determine the next steps.
Atlanta's offseason pursuits included several high-profile pitchers, with Freddy Peralta among the targets. However, Peralta ultimately joined the New York Mets, marking a significant miss for the Braves. The team also eyed Brandon Woodruff and Sonny Gray, but those deals didn't materialize either.
Missing out on Peralta, last year's NL wins leader, is particularly poignant given the current injury crisis. Historically, the Braves have made impactful trades by this point in the offseason, but this year, they mainly focused on signings.
With aspirations of returning to the postseason after last year's absence, the Braves face a steeper climb with their rotation in disarray. Peralta's presence could have bolstered their efforts, offering depth and stability to both an injured and healthy pitching staff. As the season looms, Atlanta must navigate these challenges to keep their playoff hopes alive.