The Atlanta Braves placed Max Fried on the injured list Tuesday morning for the second time this season. It's time to start thinking about replacements.
Max Fried's strained forearm will keep him out most of the month. However, it's his second time on the injured list this season, which could hint at larger issues down the line.
A forearm strain can be simple — for example, perhaps Fried does come back by the end of the month and pitches well in his return — or, it could merely be the start of injuries further down the arm, like Fried's elbow. That would surely result in a longer absence, but I won't put that into the universe just yet.
Either way, Fried has proven so far this season that the Braves cannot count on him alone atop the rotation. This is why their starting pitching depth is so valuable. Spencer Strider, Kyle Wright and Charlie Morton are a three-headed monster, but behind them is Bryce Elder and a bevy of minor-league pitching options with major-league experience. As FanSided's resident Braves fan John Buhler points out, there's still plenty to be excited about in the Atlanta rotation:
"If there is any good news for the Braves rotation, it is that Spencer Strider remains largely unhittable, Bryce Elder looks like he is here to stay and Charlie Morton is an ageless wonder. Of course, Atlanta is probably not winning the World Series if the Braves cannot count on Fried and Wright in October. It is about treading water in the early part of the year, only to get hot later on."
With that in mind, here are four ways Alex Anthopoulos could replace Fried, including one trade.
Braves rumors: Call up Mike Soroka
The timing may not be perfect, as the Braves have been limiting Soroka's innings in recent outings, but Fried's absence has forced Alex Anthopoulos' hand. Soroka is a former All-Star, but pitched just 13 2/3 innings from 2020-22 in the big leagues and minors. A series of injuries forced Soroka out of action for much of the last three seasons, and Braves fans have been on high alert for his comeback story to make its way back to the major leagues.
The good news for the Braves is that given Fried's IL stint is expected to be a short one, perhaps Soroka could come up and make a spot start, or simply fill some innings for an Atlanta team that would prefer not to tax its bullpen at this point in the season.
Soroka clearly has the talent to pitch in the majors. He's done it before, and Brian Snitker has liked what he's seen in Triple-A Gwinnett. The front office has been watching Soroka closely, as he's a good stashed starter to have on the 40-man. If he's ready, they'll call him up.
Braves rumors: Add Allan Winans to the 40-man roster
It's no secret that Dylan Dodd and Jared Shuster have struggled this season. Shuster is Atlanta's top prospect, but after a sketchy big-league debut and some command issues in Gwinnett, a promotion could be a serious setback if it goes poorly. Sometimes what's best for the team short term, isn't necessarily in their long-term interest.
Enter Allan Winans. The little-known Atlanta 27-year-old pitcher has been throwing quite well in Gwinnett. He has next to no injury issues at the moment, and is good for a spot start or two. As MLB Trade Rumors notes, Winans "has pitched to a solid 2.90 ERA in six appearances (four starts) with impressive strikeout and walk rates. He tossed six quality innings on May 3 and, speculatively speaking, could be an option in the next couple weeks if the Braves want to make space for him on the 40-man roster."
With Ian Anderson out long-term, and Shuster and Dodd struggling, a vet like Winans could be a decent answer to Fried's injury prognosis. This is not to say that Winans will pitch to Fried's level. In fact, he likely won't come close. But if he can even offer four-to-five decent innings in a couple starts to relieve the bullpen, the Braves strong lineup should be able to handle the rest.
Braves rumors: A bullpen game is likely with Max Fried out
Am I cheating slightly? Of course I am.
Dylan Dodd and Jared Shuster are struggling in Gwinnett. Still, the more likely option is that the Braves call up two of Dodd, Shuster and Soroka. The latter is the most attractive option at the moment, while Dodd and Shuster have command issues at the moment.
Assuming Fried is only out a couple of weeks, why not make a bullpen start or two to fill the gaps? Yes, Atlanta's bullpen could use a tweak or two (expect Alex Anthopoulos to address that at the trade deadline), but it's certainly good enough to handle nine innings of work. In the meantime, Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton and Bryce Elder are reliable enough to limit bullpen work on their days.
If you include Monday, May 8, the Braves have three off days in the next two weeks, which should aid any sort of bullpen start so the pitching staff can handle that sort of workload. It's not a perfect solution, but it may be the best option Atlanta has. When the Braves placed Fried on the injured list, they called up an extra bullpen arm in Danny Young. The 28-year-old is an ideal fit for a bullpen game. While a pure relief pitcher, he can handle multiple innings of work.
Don't overthink this, Braves country.
Braves rumors: A trade for Mike Clevinger
The Chicago White Sox are reeling, and expected to be sellers at the MLB Trade Deadline. FanSided's Robert Murray felt the White Sox selling is one of the rare 'truths' early on in this MLB season, rather than an overreaction. While he admits it's uncertain exactly how much talent the White Sox will want to sell given their current roster construction, Chicago is still likely to move some expiring deals.
"It's uncertain just how much team owner Jerry Reinsdorf would allow the front office to sell. There are plenty of players on expiring contracts, headlined by Lucas Giolito and Mike Clevinger, who could be attractive trade pieces. But would he allow general manager Rick Hahn to consider moving on from ace Dylan Cease or even Eloy Jimenez?"
Mike Clevinger dealt with off-field issues this offseason. He faced allegations of domestic and child abuse, but after an investigation by police and MLB, was ultimately not suspended and won't face charges.
So far this season, Clevinger has a 4.84 ERA, though he's surely capable of more in the right circumstances. The White Sox are a trash heap at the moment, and everything that can go wrong, has. If not for the St. Louis Cardinals, their horrible start would be getting far more attention.
The ChiSox are destined to sell Clevinger at the deadline barring a shocking turnaround. Assuming the Braves need more pitching between now and then, he could be a decent fit.
