The Atlanta Braves don't have the best situation when it comes to the backend of their starting rotation. Losing Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach before the start of the season was a massive blow.
However, the rotation has been treading water so far, with Bryce Elder even impressing in his role. But there has been a revolving door for the fifth spot of the rotation between Jose Suarez and Martín Pérez.
Neither pitcher has been very good in their starts thus far. Suarez sports a 9.82 ERA after just 3.2 innings, while Pérez has a 3.86 ERA over 9.1 innings. His ERA looks respectable on the surface, but his most recent start against the Diamondbacks reveals his true nature.
The Braves simply have to try other rotation options than Martin Perez and Jose Suarez going forward
The veteran lefty allowed four runs on five hits over five innings in the desert. He just isn't that impressive, and it's time for the Braves to give someone else an opportunity.
There are many better options in the minors available, including Didier Fuentes and J.R. Ritchie. Fuentes should be stretched out enough to start for the Braves soon, and he's shown that he's a much better pitcher this year.
Ritchie has also turned heads this season. His first start went about as well as it could have for Triple-A Gwinnett. He tossed 8.2 innings with two runs allowed, nine hits, six walks, and eight strikeouts. The walks continue to be his main issue, so that needs to improve before he comes to Atlanta. However, it is encouraging to see him be able to pitch that many innings. So, Fuentes seems like the better option of the two at the moment.
This could all be a moot point, as Spencer Strider could return in the next week. If Strider can return soon, the Braves will probably continue to run Suarez or Perez out there until he's ready to avoid having to shuffle their roster too much.
Luckily, even with the poor performances from those two, the Braves' starting rotation has the best team ERA at 2.23 over 97 innings. Opponents have batted .183 against them, they have a 0.88 WHIP, and 82 strikeouts to 23 walks.