Braves GM Anthopoulos faces pressure to stabilise rotation before deadline
With four starters on the injured list and Ronald Acuña Jr. sidelined, Atlanta must act before August 3 to secure its playoff position.
The Atlanta Braves’ grip on the National League East has tightened in recent weeks, yet underlying structural vulnerabilities are mounting ahead of the August 3 trade deadline. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos is expected to pursue significant pitching acquisitions to address a rotation that has been decimated by injuries and a recent offensive slump that has seen the team score only 33 runs in 11 games.
Despite holding a 6.5-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies and remaining on pace for 101 wins, the Braves have lost eight of their last 11 contests. This stretch includes series losses to the White Sox, Mets, and Giants, reducing what was once a 10.5-game division lead. The team’s offensive output during this period has been the lowest in Major League Baseball, raising concerns about sustainability as the season progresses.
The injury crisis is centred on the pitching staff, with four starting pitchers currently on the injured list. Spencer Strider, once a dominant force, is on the 60-day list with new elbow issues following a partially torn UCL in 2024. He is joined by Spencer Schwellenbach, who has been out since spring training after elbow surgery, AJ Smith-Shawver, recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Joey Wentz, who suffered an ACL tear. Chris Sale remains a top performer at 37, but his age carries inherent injury risk.
Offensively, the team is navigating the absence of Ronald Acuña Jr., who has been sidelined since June 9 with a recurring hamstring strain. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos stated that Acuña is a “long way” from returning, as the injury is in the same spot as a previous recurrence. Young catcher Drake Baldwin has also struggled upon his return from an oblique strain, posting a .077/.077/.192 slash line in 26 plate appearances.
Anthopoulos is expected to target major league-ready arms to slot in behind Sale. Potential trade targets mentioned include Tarik Skubal of the Tigers, Sonny Gray of the Red Sox, Joe Ryan of the Twins, Dustin May of the Cardinals, and Freddy Peralta of the Mets. While SportsLine gives the Braves a 94.6% probability of winning the division, the front office must act decisively to fend off divisional rivals and secure a top seed.
