5 pitchers the Atlanta Braves could desperately utilize for rotation depth
These arms could be budget options to fill the team's need for pitching depth.
By Nick Halden
Atlanta Braves fans have very little to complain about with a historic 2023 offense running it back and taking early control of the NL East. Yes, the Sean Murphy injury and starting pitching struggles are far from ideal. Not to mention a new injury to Ozzie Albies who has a fractured right big toe. Still, the Braves have found a way to continue to play at a high level and control the division in the early going of the 2024 season.
The biggest concern for the Braves should be their starting pitching. Ace Spencer Strider is lost for the year and Max Fried, Charlie Morton, and Chris Sale have all struggled at different points. The team is also betting on them all remaining healthy. For this team to be the World Series contender they hope to be, you need all three pitchers to get back on track and to find surprise contributors.
Reynaldo López has been one of those surprise contributors going 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA and 18.0 innings pitched in his first three starts. Even if it doesn't last Reynaldo deserves immense credit for being a stabilizing force early on.
Atlanta's minor league depth has struggled as well with Huascar Ynoa and AJ Smith-Shawver off to early rough starts. Darius Vines provided a nice surprise during Monday's game in Houston but he may not be the long-term solution.
With all of this in mind, what desperation options could the Braves look to in the current market?