The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging start to their season with their pitching rotation taking a significant hit. As Spring Training kicks off, the team is grappling with the loss of two key starters due to injuries.
First, the Braves received unwelcome news about promising right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach. He's been sidelined with inflammation in his right elbow and placed on the 60-day injured list. The team is hopeful that the issue is merely bone spurs and not something more severe.
Adding to their woes, young right-hander Hurston Waldrep is also out of commission. After experiencing discomfort during batting practice, an MRI revealed "loose bodies" in his arm. While there's no ligament damage, further tests are needed to determine the next steps, which might include surgery.
With these setbacks, the Braves are likely to explore the trade market for a reliable starting pitcher. One name that has surfaced is José Berríos from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Berríos offers consistency and innings, though his contract could pose a challenge. His 2025 stats-9 wins, a 4.17 ERA, and 166 innings pitched-showcase his ability to stabilize a rotation, but the financial implications are significant.
The Braves are no strangers to this predicament, having faced similar injury troubles in their rotation last season. Despite entering the offseason with confidence in their pitching depth, these early injuries are a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the sport.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos now has the task of securing another dependable arm to keep the Braves competitive. The pressure is on to make a move that will bolster their rotation and prevent the season from unraveling before it even begins.