Braves rotation takes major hits heading into the postseason

The Braves pitching rotation is suffering some losses as the MLB playoffs draw near.

The Atlanta Braves are doing what they can to position themselves in the best way possible for the MLB Playoffs. With some hits to their pitching rotation, they’ll need all the advantages they can get to increase their chances of repeating last year’s World Series win.

Jockeying for the NL East crown, the Braves are a game behind the Mets going into Friday evening. They’re almost a sure thing to make the postseason, but winning the division would put them in position for a first-round bye, so there’s work to be done yet in the regular season.

Bad news on the pitching front, though, as the season is winding down. Luckily, it’s nothing catastrophic.

Braves pitching rotation is taking a hit ahead of MLB playoffs

The Braves have just suffered two blows to their pitching rotation. Spencer Strider is dealing with oblique soreness and is expected to be out essentially until he feels right to return. Strider is still playing catch according to ESPN.

A more substantial absence: Mike Soroka is done for the season (subscription required) according to Justin Toscano. The Braves put him on the injured list with right elbow soreness. Soroka was making his way up the minor league ladder to get back to the majors, but the team has decided it best to focus his efforts on getting healthy and prepared for next season instead.

The Soroka move makes sense. He hasn’t performed perfectly in the minor leagues and coming back up to the major leagues at this point in the season would be tough for Soroka and potentially put him and the Braves in a vulnerable position.

Atlanta’s pitching has been strong all year. Their 3.43 ERA is second in the National League, and the staff as a whole also ranks second in NL strikeouts (1,454). Thankfully, Max Fried (8th in ERA in the MLB; 2.5), Kyle Wright (22nd in the MLB in ERA; 3.18), and Charlie Morton (37th in ERA in the MLB; 4.09) all appear good to go.

The Braves still have a decent shot at winning the World Series again this year, but as always: It won’t be easy.