Chris Sale, who could very well be the starter for the 2024 All Star game, will take the mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks against Zac Gallen. Sale enters tonight’s game with an 11-3 record, 2.71 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 11.5K/9 and a 6.68 K/BB rate, the best in the league. Advanced metrics. As good as he’s been, his advanced metrics point out that he’s actually been fairly unlucky as his FIP comes in at 2.25. Zac Gallen is no slouch, either. He did have an IL stint that took him down for a month, but he’s continued his strong showing as the Diamondbacks’ ace with a 3.08 ERA, which matches his FIP.
*Side Note: If you missed Cliff’s recap, you missed one of the best I’ve seen in quite some time!
Transaction a Day AA
The Braves today returned RHP AJ Smith-Shawver from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list. Atlanta also optioned RHP Bryce Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett after yesterday’s game.
Let it be known that A.S.S. isn’t here to start, rather he’s here in case of an early exit from an SP.
Braves Lineup and Chris Sale
Looking Ahead to the Trade Deadline
It’s no secret that the Braves need depth in both the infield and outfield. And while it’s not a real need, AA could also try to acquire a back end SP to solidify the rotation. However, my money is on position players. There are 5-6 teams that will definitely be selling at the trade deadline. Those are:
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Chicago White Sox
- Los Angeles Angels
- Oakland Athletics
- Miami Marlins
- Colorado Rockies
There are a few more that need a real push to make a decision one way or the other. Those are:
- Washington Nationals
- Cincinatti Reds
- Chicago Cubs
- Detroit Tigers
When narrowing down the list to outfielders and starting pitchers that could impact the Braves team, you get:
Hitters
Shortstop
Outfielders
- Luis Robert Jr.
- Luis Rengifo
- Taylor Ward
- Kevin Pillar
- Daulton Varsho
- Brent Rooker
- JJ Bleday
- Jazz Chisholm Jr.
- Brenton Doyle
Starting Pitchers
My Personal Choices
Shortstop: None. I think it’s more likely that we see an improved Orlando Arcia after the All-Star break and I just can’t imagine that DeJong or IKF will be significantly better than Nacho Alvarez, who would be the obvious internal replacement in the org.
Outfielder: My heart says Jazz Chisholm, Jr., but my head says Brent Rooker. However, I think neither my head nor heart will win here and the Braves will grab someone like Taylor Ward in a multi-player deal that could also bring back Kevin Pillar.
Starting Pitcher: None… however, if we’re looking at multi-player deals, Jose Soriano of the Angels makes sense.
Chris Sale, you’re up!
If I were AA I would target Jesse Winkler. He’s on a one-year deal so the cost wouldn’t be as high and his on-base skills would be a nice compliment to this strikeout-prone lineup.
I see the NL decided to have an intrasquad tuneup for the All Star Game tonight in Philly. They didn’t invite our guys, though. Just as well.
Thank you Torey Lovullo for leaving Gallen in way too long.
Team is looking good again!
Minter with a 3-pitch ninth! I always feel that should be an immaculate inning, rather than the 9-pitch all strikes variety. It’s much more impressive, in my books.
Winker or someone like him only makes sense if you’re willing to platoon Duvall and only if you eliminate Rosario. I think it’s entirely possible we end up with an OF of Harris/Kelenic/Duvall/Rosario/Anderson/Laureano. Getting Ahmed to replace Short would be good. With the payroll restrictions, anything big (unless AA can get the other team to pay the salary) is likely priced out. Maybe Rengifo could be like the original Rosario – someone we acquire when they are injured but can come in and make an impact when well. Other than Ahmed, Nick Senzel is also on waivers and he may be a better choice for PH. AA may go for whoever he can get at the MLB minimum. If we’re talking former Braves draftees, how about Brandon Drury? He could do both IF and OF.
Note that both Winker and Senzel are former teammates of Duvall so he may have some input about their clubhouse presence.
It seems odd that the gNats are releasing so many seemingly appealing options.
Recapped: https://bravesjournal.com/2024/07/10/good-things-are-blowin-in-the-wind-braves-6-dbacks-2/