Over the past few years, the Atlanta Braves have been plagued by injuries. Entering Spring Training, the team was relatively healthy, which is why GM Alex Anthopoulos was careful about adding a pitcher this offseason.
“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s trade or signing. We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game,” Anthopoulos said, noting the team is in a good place with their current starters.
However, on the first day of Spring Training, a domino effect of injuries began, starting with Spencer Schwellenbach.
“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.
Following Schwellenbach’s injury, Hurston Waldrep also went down, Joey Wentz was ruled out for the year, and Spencer Strider landed on the injured list. As a result, the Braves are now in dire need of another arm, and Frankie Montas could be a potential option.
“With poor performance a season ago but recognizable potential, Montas fits the mold of Atlanta’s tendencies. The Braves could sign Montas to a small one-year deal to see if things mesh well but wouldn’t be in a world of hurt if they have to release him. It’s not like Montas is the dream arm Braves’ first year manager Walt Weiss would like, but it is the most realistic,” FanSided’s Austin Owens wrote.
Chris Sale was considered injury-prone when he first arrived in Atlanta, but he has been one of the more durable arms over the past two seasons. If the Braves were to add Montas, Sale’s experience and leadership could prove valuable in helping him stay healthy and perform consistently.
Sale is also a strong clubhouse presence and could help Montas in ways he may not have experienced before. Montas spent the last couple of seasons in New York, and after Dominic Smith’s walk-off grand slam, it’s clear that former Mets are already making an impact in Atlanta.
More MLB news: