Braves Rumors: Mike Soroka sent down
Despite the Atlanta Braves rotation issues, Mike Soroka isn't cutting it. Through two starts, Soroka had an ERA over eight, and was sent down to the minors as a result.
Soroka was optioned to the minors in a series of roster moves, which included adding Max Fried to the 60-day injured list. This isn't seen as a major setback for Fried, who was always bound to miss this much time. The move is backdated, as well, so Fried is still expected to be back in July or early August at the latest.
As for Soroka, he will have to work his way back to the major leagues once again. While Soroka was an incredible story, Atlanta is a competitive team, and is set on making another run to the postseason.
Per Atlanta Braves insider David O'Brien, the move to demote Soroka was swift and rather surprising:
"Though Soroka struggled, particularly Sunday, the swiftness of this demotion back to Triple A surprised many. But the #Braves are making the pitching moves they believe give them best chance to win, and win now," O'Brien said via Twitter.
This could mean that A.J. Smith-Shawver, just 20 years old, will receive his first start next weekend. Smith-Shawver has impressed the Braves since being called up, retiring seven of the eight batters he's faced in rather swift fashion.
Braves Rumors: Is Marcell Ozuna in trouble?
Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna was benched by manager Brian Snitker over the weekend for a lack of hustle on a very, very long single. Ozuna thought he got all of this blast against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Ozuna's single would have been a home run in most ballparks, to his defense. But it's yet another in a long list of ways Ozuna has displeased the Braves on and off the diamond. Ozuna was arrested on domestic violence charges and a DUI in the last few years. Up until May, he was among the worst hitters in the lineup, but suddenly he's found his groove in the power department.
FanSided's John Buhler had a more measured take on the matter, suggesting Ozuna's benching was enough given the situation:
"Having the extra day for this to sink in for Ozuna will surely be humbling. Snitker benching him for not running hard enough to get extra bases was absolutely merited, but that is all he needs to do. Atlanta is playing great baseball this year, and taking two of three on the road vs. the NL West co-leader in Arizona is a huge deal at this stage of the campaign. Atlanta needs to focus on the Mets."
This is the correct opinion. A critical series against the New York Mets starts on Tuesday, and Snitker and the Braves don't need any distractions. But let it be known — Ozuna has been put on notice yet again.
Braves Rumors: More big-name trade targets emerge
In a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan, the trade deadline is starting to take shape.
While it's unclear as of now exactly how interested Alex Anthopoulos will be in any of these stars, the likes of Corbin Burnes, Willy Adames, Aaron Nola and more could all be available. Passan expects the Brewers to try and pair Burnes with Adames, if they are traded at all. For Atlanta, that presents an opportunity.
As great as Orlando Arcia has been, Adames is arguably better at his best. He's one of the top shortstops in the National League. Meanwhile, Burnes is a top-level starting pitcher who could help Atlanta in the postseason.
FanSided's John Buhler pitched the idea of Marcus Stroman as an ideal suitor, should he become available via the Chicago Cubs. Stroman has an opt out after this season, and has been one of the best pitchers in baseball so far this season.
"Stroman is technically a free agent after this season. He does have a player option, which he could choose to pick up, depending on where he pitches at the end of the year. If he isn't traded at the deadline and is done with the Cubs, then I would get it. Conversely, if he were to be dealt to a contending team like the Braves and wants to stay in 2024, he could exercise that player option."
Buhler did admit Stroman is a bit farfetched given the asking price. Anthopoulos would have to part ways with some valuable prospects in an already-thin farm system.
A more likely option is a cheaper rental — think Rich Hill of the Pirates, or perhaps if they're lucky and he's healthy, Eduardo Rodriguez of the Detroit Tigers.
