Somehow, the Atlanta Braves' injury situation continues to worsen, with Grant Holmes joining the majority of Atlanta's rotation on the injured list. Every starter expected to contribute to this year's rotation is out except for Spencer Strider. This is after the flame thrower started the season on the IL and returned with a different injury after one starter early in the season. Not one of the Braves' starting options is going to make it through the 2025 season without missing a large chunk of time. One could easily argue that Atlanta's best decision would be shutting down the injured starters and aiming for a 2026 return.
Already, Holmes was moved to the 60-day IL, leaving little expectation that he will be able to return. However, this does create a sense of urgency in the fact that the Braves are quickly running out of arms. The team doesn't have a farm system capable of filling this many innings. This led to the Braves making a surprise trade this week, landing former Cardinals starter Erick Fedde. It isn't a move attempting to do anything other than fill innings for the final two months of the season. Fedde's contract expires at the end of 2025.
Braves Make Needed Trade After Grant Holmes Injury
Adding an expiring contract isn't about seeking out rental players to attempt to solve a long list of problems. Trading for Fedde is seeking out a bargain bin starter to attempt to save your bullpen and replace innings. The Braves aren't expecting the veteran to step into the role of Grant Holmes and offer the same level of production. Rather, Atlanta has added a veteran arm they have no issue leaving on the mound to eat innings, no matter the results. There is a reason why Fedde was added for no return of note.
The starter has given up 26 earned runs in his last five starts. St. Louis was no longer content hoping that Fedde was going to find his way out of such a serious funk. It was easier to turn the page and go with what appears to be a superior option. Atlanta lacks this luxury with Chris Sale, Grant Holmes. Reynaldo Lopez, Spencer Schwellenbach, and AJ Smith-Shawver all remaining on the IL.
Strider and Bryce Elder were the only starters left standing in Atlanta's rotation with any notable experience. Adding Fedde changes this and will help save the bullpen, whether or not the veteran's production rebounds.