Coming off a brutal series loss against the Rays over the weekend, the Atlanta Braves are currently searching for answers. The offense has been inconsistent at best and the rotation seems to be in real trouble with Reynaldo Lopez out and Chris Sale struggling mightily to start the season. Adding to the issues is that the Braves' bullpen appears to be a work in progress.
Over the last week or two, Atlanta has tried to get their arms out in different roles and situations to see how they should deploy their bullpen going forward to varying results. The team has had to swap new arms in repeatedly already and the unit hasn't really had anyone step up yet. The Braves did get some good news on Monday morning at least as Aaron Bummer is back from the bereavement list.
The #Braves today reinstated LHP Aaron Bummer from the major league bereavement list after optioning RHP Michael Petersen to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday’s game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 14, 2025
Aaron Bummer is back from the bereavement list, but the Braves' roster crunch is coming
This move was at least straight forward. Bummer was placed on the bereavement list a few days ago, but it appears as though whatever the issue was has been resolved and he will be back helping out in the late innings. Michael Petersen always felt like a placeholder that happened to throw kind of hard, so that swap was an easy choice.
Where things are going to get tricky is later this week. Not only is Spencer Strider returning on Wednesday pending some other disaster striking, but it is also sounding like Alex Verdugo could also be coming from the minors as well. That is not good news for the Braves' underperforming arms and outfielders.
The Braves are going to try and account for roster flexibility and depth when they make these moves. Players with options are more likely to get sent to Gwinnett as Atlanta does not want to be caught flat-footed if the injury bug strikes again.
Getting Bummer back is a big boost for the bullpen, but also an expected one with the real decisions coming up this week. If Strider and Verdugo can perform, it is easy to envision a Braves turnaround. If not, Atlanta is going to find themselves in big trouble in a hurry.