How ex-White Sox, Red Sox 3.41 ERA All-Star can 'save' Braves rotation
· Yahoo Sports
How ex-White Sox, Red Sox 3.41 ERA All-Star can 'save' Braves rotation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The injury bug seems to haunt the Atlanta Braves year after year, especially in the starting rotation.
Visit asg-reflektory.pl for more information.
Both Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach will spend extended time on the injured list after undergoing similar procedures to remove loose bodies from their throwing elbows.
Health has always been a concern for Chris Sale and Spencer Strider, too, Atlanta's projected No. 1 and No. 2 starters in the rotation. Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder are projected to fill the final three spots.
With Spring training reaching its final stage, there's still time for the Braves to dip into the slim free agent market. A 31-year-old All-Star and nine-year veteran remains available.
Braves could add 'tremendous' depth
Right-hander Lucas Giolito remains unsigned after an up-and-down season with the Boston Red Sox. Limiting the long ball has always been an issue for the former first-round draft pick, but the Braves need additional depth.
"If Atlanta could add Giolito to their roster, it would add tremendous depth," FanSided's Austin Owens wrote Monday. "Even if it is something as simple as putting Giolito in the rotation and moving Grant Holmes to the bullpen, it could make a massive difference for the Braves."
Giolito posted a 3.41 ERA in 145 innings last season with the Red Sox, recording 121 strikeouts and 56 walks. He's well past his prime days as one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball with the Chicago White Sox.
"By no means would Giolito need to be an all-star in Atlanta to make a difference. [Walt] Weiss just simply needs someone at the back end of that rotation who can keep them in ballgames every fifth day," Owens added. "It has already been proven time and time again Bryce Elder is not that guy."
More MLB news:
- Boston Red Sox named as potential trade partner for elite infielder who would crush the Green Monster
- New York Yankees trade pitch ends Jasson Dominguez experience but brings back a boring return
- Atlanta Braves trade pitch grabs Jasson Dominguez but moves on from a fan-favorite prospect
- Toronto Blue Jays trade idea sends fan-favorite veteran to Atlanta Braves for excellent return
- Atlanta Braves trade proposal adds much needed starter to fix issues in rotation
- Boston Red Sox skipper Alex Cora breaks silence on Caleb Durbin potentially making Opening Day roster