Braves predicted to poach 2-time World Series champion from Padres to solve rotation crisis

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Braves predicted to poach 2-time World Series champion from Padres to solve rotation crisis originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves have a strong pitching rotation when healthy — one that ranks among the best in the league. They also feature promising young arms at the back end. However, Hurston Waldrep is expected to miss roughly half the season after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his arm.

“The Atlanta Braves' rotation took another hit Sunday when manager Walt Weiss said right-hander Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" found in his arm. Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice. Weiss said an MRI showed no ligament damage, but the team is waiting to learn more after Waldrep has additional tests,” ESPN wrote.

Before Waldrep’s injury, Spencer Schwellenbach had already been ruled out for an extended period. The young right-hander was expected to take a significant step forward in 2026.

“The Braves opened camp this morning with an unwelcome update on talented young righty Spencer Schwellenbach. He’s been placed on the 60-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The team’s hope is that the 25-year-old is dealing with bone spurs and not something more nefarious,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote.

Now, the Braves will likely wait to see which veterans become available if they fail to make their current teams’ Opening Day rosters. One name to watch is Walker Buehler.

“Walker Buehler (Padres), Austin Gomber (Texas Rangers), Marco Gonzales (Padres), and Cal Quantrill (Rangers) are veterans on minor-league contracts with an opt out at the end of spring training. If they don't get a big-league roster spot with their current teams, they could opt out, and which point the Braves could sign them for something close to the league minimum,” CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa wrote.

Atlanta will likely need to make at least one more addition to the starting rotation, as the current group may not be enough. While Buehler struggled last season, he brings valuable World Series experience and could be an affordable option.

At some point, the Braves will have to make a move, though general manager Alex Anthopoulos appears content to be patient. Atlanta boasts a strong lineup, but with the injuries piling up, a durable rotation will be critical to sustaining success.

More MLB news:

• Phillies urged to part ways with $10M All-Star, former top prospect, Rookie of the Year runner-up​

• Braves' Walt Weiss hints at rotation plans amid Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep injuries​

• Dodgers' $162M 9-time All-Star makes future with LA very clear in revealing comments​

• Braves reportedly relying on $2M in-house rebound arm to fill void left by early rotation injuries​

• Braves predicted to replace Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep with $38M All-Star, Cy Young arm​

• Mets blockbuster trade idea lands $100M Gold Glove winner to pair with Juan Soto, Luis Robert Jr.​

• Braves predicted to trade for $131M 2-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner to salvage depleted rotation​

• Dodgers could break baseball with 'bulletproof' trade for $100M 2-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner​

• Phillies predicted to trade for $100M Gold Glove winner, 2-time All-Star to pair with Bryce Harper​

• Braves predicted to sign $38M All-Star, Cy Young-caliber arm to rescue pitching rotation nightmare​

• Braves' Alex Anthopoulos blasted for letting $22M Cy Young arm go amid Spencer Schwellenbach injury​

Continue reading...