At this point, the 2024 season is starting to feel more like a nightmare for the Atlanta Braves. As if losing Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider for the season wasn't enough, Atlanta placed two more superstars on the IL on Sunday. Believe it or not, it doesn't end there.
Starting pitcher Max Fried went to the IL with forearm issues and second baseman Ozzie Albies with a fractured wrist. In wake of Albies injury, the Braves signed utility man Whit Merrifield who has already suffered an injury of his own before even playing a game with Atlanta.
Alex Anthopoulos is still expected to be a busy man over the next week but may not be as aggressive in the trade market as many were expecting. However, a perfect opportunity has presented itself to add another starting pitcher without having to give anything up.
Atlanta Braves could turn to James Paxton to fill their need for starting pitching
Monday afternoon, Fansided's own Robert Murray reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers announced they had designated left-handed starting pitcher James Paxton for assignment.
Sources: James Paxton is being designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 22, 2024
This move is rather surprising but the Dodgers are expected to return both Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow from injury soon and prospect River Ryan has earned his opportunity to compete in the big leagues. Removing Paxton from the Dodgers rotation appeared to be the only way to make room for these other arms.
In 2024, Paxton is 8-2 with a 4.43 ERA. The 11-year veteran would be a perfect fit in the Braves rotation while Max Fried is sidelined. Without Fried in the rotation, Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez seem like the only two starters Atlanta can count on.
Spencer Schwellenbach has done as well as he can but he is still learning how to pitch at the MLB level. The final two spots are filled by Charlie Morton and Bryce Elder currently. Paxton may not be having the best season but he would provide the team with an innings eater and veteran presence for the rotation.
For his career, Paxton's numbers are nothing to sneeze at. He has a 72-40 record with a 3.76 ERA. The last few years have not been his best but Atlanta is always a good place for a player of Paxton's caliber to revive his career.
There is no doubt that Alex Anthopoulos will be shopping for cheap starting pitching as the trade deadline gets closer but James Paxton may be the best affordable option for the Atlanta Braves.