MLB Rumors: 3 Braves who won’t be on the roster by Sept. 1
By Mark Powell
As the dust settles after the MLB trade deadline, the Atlanta Braves have some tough decisions to make. Their roster is about to change for the better.
Atlanta made some small, yet notable changes at the trade deadline, such as acquiring Nicky Lopez, Pierce Johnson and Brad Hand. None will single-handedly shift the Braves expectations, but this is a team that were already World Series favorites as constructed. Why mess with a good thing?
Alex Anthopoulos opted against that strategy. Clubhouse camaraderie is important this time of year. The dog days of summer are upon us, and Atlanta has a sound NL East advantage. They are destined for the postseason, but don’t want to lose momentum.
Pitching is the Braves biggest concern moving forward, but they’re about to receive a major boost.
Braves who won’t be on the roster: Yonny Chirinos
Chirinos has stepped up big time, as the Braves have struggled to find a real No. 5 starter in the absence of Kyle Wright and Max Fried. However, with the latter expected to make his first start off the injured list in the coming week, plus Wright likely back by late August or early September, Atlanta must start preparing their roster for the inevitable.
Kolby Allard is on the injured list himself or else he’d likely be the victim of this looming roster move, but Atlanta’s starting rotation once Fried and Wright come back is pretty much set. Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder and Charlie Morton have pitched well in their steed, while Brian Snitker has done an excellent job mixing and matching the rest of their rotation.
Chirinos is set to take the mound against the Angels on Wednesday in what may be his final start with the Braves this go-around. In his previous outing, he lasted just shy of four innings and gave up eight hits and fours runs. He could very well be pitching for his job.