In the wake of the latest rumors concerning the potential promotion of catching prospect Christian Bethancourt and the subsequent shuffling of B.J. Upton and Evan Gattis, much of the focus has been on the offensive side of the ball for the Atlanta Braves. However, there remains an intriguing subplot on the run prevention side of things, as the team recently demoted Alex Wood in order to stretch him out for starting pitching duty. Now, we may have some indication of why that move took place.
On trade market: Braves already hearing from teams interested in their starting pitchers. Can move Floyd or Harang, with Wood in minors.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 16, 2014
Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Braves are already receiving interest in their starting pitchers via the trade market, and the duo of Gavin Floyd and Aaron Harang stands front and center. The two veterans have greatly exceeded expectations this season, and as a result, Atlanta has a theoretical surplus of starting pitching, with six available starters for only five spots.
However, it is important to note that Morosi (or anyone else) hasn’t linked the Braves directly to any teams or scenarios, and with the rash of starting pitching injuries across the league, it is never a bad thing to have “too much” pitching. Alex Wood provides the key to virtually every scenario, but as the time ticks toward the trade deadline, expect the Braves to be in the center of the rumor mill, especially with regard to Aaron Harang and Gavin Floyd.