Braves rumors: Marcell Ozuna injury, bullpen trade to make, All-Star voting
By John Buhler
Atlanta Braves rumors: What relief pitcher should they trade for at the deadline?
After seeing Raisel Iglesias completely melt down with a three-run lead vs. the Tigers last night, once again, I am feeling very uneasy about the status of the Braves’ pitching staff as a whole. While I think the starting rotation will sort itself out with what the Braves have in the minor leagues, as well as what could be coming back from injury, I have real concerns about the bullpen.
One player that I think would make a ton of sense in a Braves uniform would be Chicago White Sox right-hander Joe Kelly. He is on an expiring contract playing for an underperforming team that is going nowhere. Given his rich history of postseason success with St. Louis, Boston and Los Angeles, he could be that spark Atlanta needs to help shut the door on teams it is way better than.
Besides, he hates the Houston Astros, a team Atlanta could potentially face in the World Series. Houston has played in the last five ALCS and the last two Fall Classics. It may be the Tampa Bay Rays’ year, but keep in mind that Tampa plays in the same league as Chicago. This is why I would expect for Kelly to be dealt at the deadline to a team in need of a bullpen arm in the Senior Circuit.
The American League Central should be the spot where Alex Anthopoulos is looking for arm talent.