The Atlanta Braves’ playoff dreams died a long time ago but their chance to ruin the dreams of some National League contenders can be the focus of the final month of the season. The Braves have several series with playoff hopefuls down the stretch and some wins against the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs or an American League contender like the Seattle Mariners could wreak havoc on how the chase for playoff spots pan out.
But for some players, they have the opportunity to perform an advanced version of sabotage. This includes a failed acquisition by the Braves at last month’s trade deadline that now has the chance to tank the playoff hopes of another contender as the calendar turns to September.
Today’s moves pic.twitter.com/5dST4l09zF
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) August 27, 2025
Braves Castoff Erick Fedde Signs with Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers have signed former Atlanta Braves pitcher Erick Fedde after reliever Trevor Megill was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right flexor strain. While the move is retroactive to Aug. 25, Fedde will have a chance to derail Milwaukee’s playoff plans immediately if he pitches the way he did in Atlanta.
Fedde was acquired by the Braves along with cash considerations on July 27 in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations from the St. Louis Cardinals. The move may have been a last-ditch effort to salvage a rotation that had been hammered with injuries this season but like many decisions it didn’t pan out. Fedde went 1-2 with an 8.10 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in his five appearances (four starts) before Atlanta released him on Aug. 24.
It was a continuation of a rough year for the 32-year-old, who has a composite record of 4-12 and a 5.76 ERA after making 20 starts with the Cardinals. But it could be a humorous turnaround if he can figure things out in Milwaukee.
Fedde came up with the Washington Nationals and went 21-33 with a 5.41 ERA over his first six seasons before spending the 2023 season in Korea. He returned last season with the Chicago White Sox, going 7-4 with a 3.11 ERA in 21 starts before being traded to St. Louis and posting a 2-5 record with a 3.72 ERA in 10 starts down the stretch.
That performance made him part of the Cardinals’ rotation plans, but two teams have now thrown in the towel this season. Perhaps the Brewers may have something in mind to get him back on track. But the chances are Fedde may not be able to solve his troubles until after the season, making him the perfect candidate to ruin the Brewers’ run in October.