MLB Rumors: Braves moves, Scherzer trade match, would Cards bench Waino?
By Scott Rogust
MLB Rumors: The Atlanta Braves have pitching help on the way, Max Scherzer has a trade match if the New York Mets sell, and Adam Wainwright going to the bench?
MLB rumors: Who needs a trade? More pitching help is coming for Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves have to be considered the favorites to represent the National League in the World Series later this year. After all, they do hold the best record in the league entering Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, and have a substantial lead over the second-place Miami Marlins and third-place Philadelphia Phillies.
As is the case for any top MLB team entering the trade deadline, fans and media members begin predicting who they could land to strengthen their roster for their second-half push.
When it comes to pitching, that may not be an area they need to address, given the updates they have received from Jackson Stephens and Kolby Allard.
Stephens didn’t make it onto the Braves’ 40-man Opening Day roster and was sent down to Triple-A Gwinnett. But, he dealt with an injury that forced him to the sidelines. However, Stephens is in the midst of a rehab assignment and getting a start for their Florida Complex League team on Thursday.
Last year with the Braves, Stephens recorded a 3.69 ERA, a 1.34 WHIP, 47 strikeouts, 23 walks, and two saves in 39 games.
As for Allard, he was officially activated off of the 60-day injured list after dealing with a grade 2 oblique strain. With this move, Allard was given the start for the Braves on Wednesday to face the Twins. In that game, Allard struck out eight batters and surrendered three hits and zero earned runs in 4.2 innings of work. Allard also threw strikes on 52-of-71 pitches thrown.
Allard is back with the Braves and impressed in his first start, while Stephens is on his way back. Not bad for Atlanta.