The Atlanta Braves dropped the series opener to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game that was completely on the shoulders of the bullpen. It served as a reminder of the trade deadline failure and inability to find starting options for when the season mattered most. While the series is far from over, it is an undeniably frustrating way to kick things off and serves as an example of why the Braves were unwise to simply add Tyler Mahle and bet on the young rotation pieces being able to fill the rest of the gaps.
In the months since, the Braves have had additional injuries and been unable to fill innings as expected. Going into the playoffs, it is only Chris Sale and Mahle who can be relied on to start, as the rest of the arms added to the roster are expected to be used out of the bullpen.
Grant Holmes remains rostered, but has been used in a relief role as well, making it clear that the franchise is truly in an incredibly frustrating situation. One that could've been avoided if the team had simply added the pieces needed at the deadline to take some level of pressure off Sale.
Instead, the Braves are reduced to piecing together bullpen games in hopes that the Atlanta lineup can do the improbable against a loaded Dodger rotation. A task that is undeniably difficult after watching the clinic that Tarik Skubal was able to put on for the bulk of the series opener.
Braves Decision to Avoid Further Trade Deadline Additions Clearly Hurting Potential Playoff Run
It isn't even as if the Braves have viable starting options; they are utilizing out of the bullpen, the injuries simply have been too extensive to leave any clear five options intact. This is a very similar theme to a season ago when injuries were consistently hitting the rotation and lineup. Bryce Elder would pitch the most innings for the Braves a season ago, and even the inconsistent right-hander is now dealing with an injury of his own.
The Braves simply are going to need their lineup and bullpen to carry the roster if they have any chance of advancing. Chris Sale can only be expected to do so much after doing the heavy lifting in the wildcard series, both setting the tone with a win and closing out the series against Philadelphia.
With this in mind, there is no way around the fact that the Braves fumbled an opportunity to add needed depth. The franchise shouldn't be in the position they now find themselves in, simply hoping for the best.
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