Kyle Wright injury update paints clearer picture for Braves rotation battle

Very few teams feel bad for the Atlanta Braves, whose entire rotation is set minus the No. 5 spot. Who will win, especially after the Kyle Wright injury update?

When all are healthy, Atlanta’s first four starters are relatively set — Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Spencer Strider and Kyle Wright will take the bump in some order. But Wright hasn’t been healthy this spring training, and there’s no guarantee he’s ready by Opening Day.

Wright’s shoulder has been an issue all spring, and cortisone shots are only a short-term solution.

“I’ve only thrown sides, but the numbers [velocity and spin rates] are where they need to be,” Wright said. “They should only increase when I face hitters and the adrenaline starts flowing.”

Still, Wright seems to be improving, and with the right care could be ready in time to make his first start on the back end of the first week of the season. If not, perhaps a bullpen game could be the answer.

Who will win Braves No. 5 starter spot?

Ian Anderson has the edge for the Braves No. 5 starter spot. Sadly Mike Soroka cannot seem to stay healthy, and Bryce Elder remains an anomaly.

Per The Baseball Insiders Podcast, Robert Murray believes Anderson will win the job, though it’s still too early to tell.

“Who is going to be the Braves’ fifth starter? One player it won’t be is Mike Soroka who’s dealing with a hamstring injury. That leaves the Braves to decide between Ian Anderson (7.71 ERA) and Bryce Elder (9.82 ERA). Bert says it’s too early to tell, but he’s taking Anderson.”

Anderson struggled some in his spring debut, but has come back down to earth a bit. He’s added a slider to his arsenal, which should help some.

“I think I put some pressure on myself going into the [first start],” Anderson said. “I saw the crack in the door, so to speak. This camp is super competitive. There’s no doubt about that. Why would you not want to be on this team? You got guys like [Austin] Riley and [Matt] Olson doing what they do and Mike [Michael Harris II]. It’s a fun team and the competition is high. If you take a false step, that could be it.”

For the Braves sake, hopefully Anderson can get it all together by Opening Day.