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As the MLB Trade Deadline gets closer and closer, teams must start finalizing their plans in pursuit of a postseason push. Given how rough the American League has been this year, the selling market is very thin, making it difficult for contenders to make significant additions to their rosters. One team that could be affected is the Atlanta Braves, as a new need has emerged following a concerning injury scare.
Latest Braves Injury Scare Signals New Priority Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline
Hurtson Waldrep, a young starter with elite upside, was pulled from an outing with the Gwinnett Stripers after just 36 pitches. His velocity was down a few ticks, causing some concern about his health. In the MLB this season, Waldrep’s sinker velocity averaged 94.2 mph. Yesterday, it sat at 92.8 mph, a significant drop at a critical point in the season.
Pitching Injuries Continue to Pile Up for the Braves
Waldrep is coming off elbow surgery that he underwent in February. He made his first rehab start on June 1st and joined the Braves on the 26th. After three poor starts, posting an 8.44 ERA with a 2.16 WHIP, he was optioned to Triple-A. Yesterday marked his first start since the demotion, and the drop in velocity raised concerns.
Those numbers could indicate that he isn’t fully healthy. With all the injuries that have piled up in this rotation, it comes at a critical time. While Waldrep hasn’t pitched as he did in 2025, posting a 2.88 ERA with a 3.21 FIP and a 1.19 WHIP, Atlanta was really banking on him turning things around. Whether this results in Waldrep returning to the injured list or spending an extended period in Triple-A, this pushes the organization to target one position group in particular.
That would be the starting rotation. While Martin Perez is expected to join the rotation this week and AJ Smith-Shawver is returning from Tommy John Surgery, it wouldn’t hurt to add another established starter for down the stretch of the season. There also isn’t a timetable for Spencer Strider, so adding depth isn’t the worst idea for the Braves.
There are plenty of options for them to consider, despite a weak sellers’ market. Whether they decide to acquire a controllable starter or a rental, there are valuable pieces on each front for Atlanta to weigh around.
Trade Targets For The Braves’ Starting Rotation Woes
First on the list is Reid Detmers, a controllable southpaw on the Los Angeles Angels’ trade block. He should be dealt as the Angels are looking towards a rebuild and Detmers could land a haul in return. On the year, Detmers has posted a 4.16 ERA (3.26 xERA) with a 1.11 WHIP across 114.2 innings and has struck out 130 batters. His ERA is slightly inflated after struggling earlier this month. Even though he’s gone through a slump, a Detmers and Chris Sale 1-2 punch would be very strong down the stretch.
Another top-of-the-line option would be Freddy Peralta of the New York Mets. There has been plenty of trade buzz around Peralta with the Mets’ rough season, and Atlanta could target a rival arm on a bit of a down year. On the season, Peralta has put together a 4.66 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP across 104.1 innings and has struck out 104 hitters. Even through a rough start to the season, Peralta’s history on the mound is worth targeting.
A third option would be a veteran rental in Robbie Ray. The San Francisco Giants are having a very rough year, and it would be a mistake for them not to deal Ray. The Braves should jump on this opportunity as Ray brings a strong left-handed arm to the rotation and his 3.33 ERA and 1.30 WHIP could really help them win this season.
Atlanta will have several other starters to consider, but these three would all be big-time acquisitions. The starting rotation has emerged as one of the Braves’ biggest needs as they look to return to the playoffs this fall, and with Waldrep’s setback, their need to add has become more urgent.
Main Photo Credits: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
