The Atlanta Braves have wasted no time when it comes to utilizing the new pitching added in recent days. Erick Fedde was the first example, starting against the Kansas City Royals shortly after being acquired. Now, the Braves are turning to starter Carlos Carrasco and reliever Tyler Kinley, who are both recent additions.
Both players were dealt to the Braves from teams willing to take anything in return to be able to turn the page. It is telling of where Atlanta's season has reached and the lows the pitching staff continues to find.
Carrasco will start tonight's game against the Reds, offering the Braves another veteran innings eater. Along with Fedde and Bryce Elder, the trio exposes just how injury-riddled the staff has become. Chris Sale, AJ Smith-Shawver, Grant Holmes, Reynaldo Lopez, and Spencer Schwellenbach are all on the shelf with no hint of a return. At this point in the season, the wise move is to protect your future and keep the starters on the IL. There simply isn't a reason to rush a return for players who can impact winning in future seasons.
The Braves Continue to Show Desperation for Answers
The #Braves today selected RHP Carlos Carrasco to the major league roster and reported RHP Tyler Kinley to Atlanta.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 31, 2025
Carrasco will start tonight’s game in Cincinnati.
With this in mind, the Braves are doing the right thing, turning to failing options in an effort to protect the future. The 2025 season no longer matters as anything other than finding out what Atlanta has in pieces that could contribute in the future. Proven players shouldn't be put in harm's way in favor of winning meaningless games. For Carrasco, tonight's start is important after two years of consistent struggles.
The veteran has a chance to rebuild value in a career that is very quickly coming to an end. Despite Atlanta's results not mattering, both Carrasco and Fedde are expiring contracts with a chance to rebuild value ahead of 2026 free agency. It is one of the few interesting stories left in Atlanta's season.
For Kinley, the reliever won't need to wait long to see action based on the Braves' struggling bullpen. The standards have never been lower, and Rafael Montero's recent departure only furthers this. No question, the Braves are making the right decision, bargain shopping and protecting key players as they limp to the end of the 2025 season.