Braves reportedly outbid by Nationals for $5M workhorse, former Rays bullpen arm turned starter originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves have known since the offseason that they needed to add a starting pitcher for depth. However, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos was looking for a specific type of starter and ultimately did not land one. The situation became even more concerning when Spencer Schwellenbach arrived at Spring Training with an injury.

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“The Braves opened camp this morning with an unwelcome update on talented young righty Spencer Schwellenbach. He’s been placed on the 60-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The team’s hope is that the 25-year-old is dealing with bone spurs and not something more nefarious,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote.

Not long after Schwellenbach announced he would be undergoing surgery, another young Braves arm, Hurston Waldrep, revealed he was dealing with a similar issue.

“The Atlanta Braves’ rotation took another hit Sunday when manager Walt Weiss said right-hander Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove “loose bodies” found in his arm. Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice. Weiss said an MRI showed no ligament damage, but the team is waiting to learn more after Waldrep has additional tests,” ESPN wrote.

With few options left on the market, the Braves were believed to be scanning their remaining choices. On Sunday, the Washington Nationals took one of the few remaining starters off the market.

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“The Nationals have signed right-hander Zack Littell to a one-year, Major League contract that includes a mutual option for the 2027 season. Financial teams of the contract aren’t yet known. The deal will become official when Littell passes a physical, and when Washington makes a corresponding move for the CAA Sports client to create space on the 40-man roster,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Nick Deeds wrote.

The Braves must really like the current makeup of their rotation because they have not been in any rush to sign another pitcher. One of the few notable options remaining is Lucas Giolito, though the Braves do not appear to be actively pursuing him.

Atlanta is looking to win the NL East and compete with some of the top teams in baseball. That goal may become more difficult unless they can pull off a trade for another starting arm.

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