The Atlanta Braves are obviously having some issues with injuries in their rotation. At the moment, they are without Reynaldo Lopez, Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and AJ Smith-Shawver amongst others and that...is a lot of rotation arms for any team to lose. However, a unique opportunity may have just presented itself thanks to a bit of a shocking move over in St. Louis.
Erick Fedde put together a very solid season in 2024 with the White Sox and Cardinals and many thought he would be a reliable starter in St. Louis' rotation this season. However, Fedde has fallen on hard times and now that the Cardinals designated Fedde for assignment, he could be exactly what the Braves need to get through the rest of the season.
The Cardinals announced they have designated Erick Fedde for assignment. Fedde (3-10, 5.22 ERA) was in the final year of his two-year, $15 million deal.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 23, 2025
Recently DFA'd Erick Fedde could give the Braves some much needed depth
It is important not to overstate things when it comes to Fedde. While he was good last year, his previous track record was of a starter who usually posted a 4-5 ERA with minimal upside. Fedde has also been really bad lately with a 13.25 ERA over his last five starts.
However, the Braves would only be on the hook for a prorated portion of the $7.5 million he is getting paid this year. Fedde also would probably just be a waiver claim without the need for a trade as St. Louis isn't likely to just pull him back off waivers in this situation. Getting down the waiver wire far enough for the Braves could be tough, but not impossible.
If the Braves don't snatch Fedde up, you can fully expect the Dodgers to do so given that they have somehow had worse pitcher injury luck than the Braves this year. If nothing else, denying LA assistance may be enough for Atlanta to take a chance on him in hopes he can cover innings the rest of the way.