Looking back at the Atlanta Braves' Opening Day rotation helps drive home just how far the group has fallen over the last months of the season. Things started going sideways when Reynaldo Lopez was placed on the injured list after making a single start.
Still, there was hope things would turn with Spencer Strider set to return and the rest of the rotation remaining exciting. Bryce Elder was forced into action and showed a bit of promise, the starter showed in his first season. Things appeared to be righting themselves with the Braves surviving the first blow.
However, this was simply a preview of what was to come with Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and AJ Smith-Shawver all being lost. The Braves' level of desperation caused the team to lean on prospects who clearly weren't ready and multiple bullpen games with a pen struggling to find depth to complete normal starts. All of this has set up a second half that demands the franchise attempt to find another answer in the rotation.
Braves Rotation Remains in Shambles
If Atlanta remains content with its current options, fans should prepare themselves for a lot more bullpen games and frustrating starts. Grant Holmes and Spencer Strider are the last reliable options the Braves have left to lean on. This leaves Bryce Elder and two question marks as the remaining answers for the rest of the regular season.
While the missing starters are all expected to return with the exception of Smith-Shawver, we are still weeks away from the pitchers being able to go to work and begin to stretch out.
With this in mind, even as they attempt to sell expiring deals, the Braves should look to add a starter in return. This doesn't have to be a star or even a player who is going to factor into future seasons. Simply look to add a player capable of eating innings and saving your bullpen.
In what has been a miserable season, the Braves need to at least attempt to bring in someone capable of eating innings and helping the franchise limp to the finish.
Sale, Lopez, and Schwellenbach all have a chance to return this season, but there is an argument that the team would be wise to leave the trio on the shelf. Allowing the group extra rest and saving bullets for when they will actually matter in the 2026 season. Regardless of the path they choose, it is clear that the team must search for an upgrade over the next weeks of the season.