Braves Stand Pat on Rotation at Trade Deadline
Atlanta held a commanding NL East lead but did not acquire a playoff-caliber starter, leaving Chris Sale with little reliable support.
The Braves entered the trade deadline with a near-certain postseason berth and a well-documented rotation problem caused by injuries throughout the season. Despite multiple starting pitchers being available on the market, Atlanta did not acquire any. Their additions were limited to outfielder Lane Thomas and reliever Brent Suter. The club now faces the postseason with Chris Sale as the clear ace and a significant drop-off to remaining rotation options.
More on the Braves wire.
Smith-Shawver Minor League Stint Ends Friday, Braves Decision Looms
After a dominant 6.1-inning outing at Gwinnett, Smith-Shawver is set to clear his rehab minimum and could return to Atlanta's rotation.
Strider Starts Throwing Program, Return Still Distant
Atlanta's Spencer Strider has begun a throwing program, a positive step away from surgery but not a sign he's close to returning.
Strider Cleaned Out Locker, Not Expected Back This Season
Beat reporter confirms Strider's locker has been cleared and given to Mahle, strongly implying Strider is done for the year.
Schwellenbach's Return Timeline Slipping Away for Atlanta
The Braves righty began his throwing program in June but remains far from game action, with a rehab assignment still weeks away at best.
Strider Unlikely to Return in 2025, Begins Throwing Program
Braves manager Walt Weiss indicated he cannot count on Strider pitching this year, though a throwing program start offers some hope for 2026.
Chris Sale Ejected During Game After Balk Dispute Carries Over
Atlanta's ace was tossed from the game, with lingering tension from a balk ruling the day before cited as the backdrop.