One area of concern around the Atlanta Braves that has been consistently pointed to ahead of this year's trade deadline is adding veteran starters capable of getting deep into games. This is a take that was perfectly supported by MLB's Mark Bowman: "Bryce Elder and Chris Sale have both completed 6+ innings 13 times this year. Grant Holmes (5), Martin Perez (2), Spencer Strider (2), Reynaldo Lopez (1) and JR Ritchie (1) have combined to do so 11 times."
It is incredible to consider that Sale and Elder have so far and away shrunk the rest of the field when it comes to getting deep into games. It is also concerning that Strider, who spent the majority of the season on the shelf, has completed six innings as many times as Perez and Lopez, who have both had consistent turns in the rotation.
This headlines a clear need for a franchise that isn't shying away from making needed deadline improvements. While the offense and a strong bullpen have covered up this issue for the last month, it is one that can only be covered for so long if you're a serious World Series contender.
Asking the Atlanta bullpen to cover so many innings and make a deep postseason run isn't viable. Sale cannot afford a single bad start, and you're going to be piecing together innings with the rest of a rotation that hasn't proven itself capable of living up to the weight of the postseason.
Braves Have Obvious Concern as Midseason Rotation Struggles Continue
For the Braves, you're hopeful that the trade deadline moves are enough to answer these concerns, along with the progression of AJ Smith-Shawver, Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach, who all remain unknowns as they work their way back from injuries. No matter the answer, there is no denying that this stat perfectly sums up why the Braves haven't matched their early-season hot streak.
Atlanta is missing middle of the rotation arms capable of stepping on the mound and giving 5-6 innings with regularity. If any starter other than Sale steps on the mound, it is a guessing game as to what version of the player is going to show up.
It serves as a reminder as to why the Braves need a high sense of urgency and the concerns that are going to linger over the final two months of the regular season. Fans can only hope adjustments are made and needed improvement is found to help the Braves find the next gear and have a real chance to make a deep postseason run.
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