3 moves Braves can still make to steal the NL East

2. Figure out the best role for Huascar Ynoa once he comes off the 60-day IL

Though Atlanta has yet to spend a single game above .500 this season, we have to wonder if right-hander Huascar Ynoa had not broken his hand in frustration if he could have been a difference maker for the team. He was pitching so well in the back-end of the Atlanta rotation before frustrations clearly got the best of him. Fortunately, he should be returning here soon.

While the Braves’ starting rotation has been strong since his injury, even with right-hander Ian Anderson going on the 10-day IL with a shoulder issue, Atlanta could really use Ynoa in a middle relief role to improve its bullpen. Ynoa is more than capable of spot-starting, but just being able to get innings out of him will do wonders in Atlanta’s chances to catch the Mets and Phillies this year.

Keep in mind that to acquire Richard Rodriguez from the Pittsburgh Pirates the Braves had to give up a pitcher who could do this sort of thing in Bryse Wilson. Again, this is all about ensuring the Braves are not at a competitive disadvantage in the middle innings of a ball game. If Ynoa can burst back onto the scene with a vengeance, this would be magnificent for improving the bullpen.

If the Braves re-gain what Ynoa was pre-injury, the entire pitching staff is so much better for it.