The Atlanta Braves are poised to make at least one or two moves over the next few days.
Atlanta now has the top National League Wild Card berth, but it requires additional firepower. The Braves have been accumulating up high-impact injuries, and they no longer have as much of a lead in the Wild Card race as they previously did.
The Braves could use a lift in the starting rotation down the stretch, and FanSided’s Robert Murray reports that Atlanta is one of several teams interested in veteran starting pitcher Zach Eflin.
“Among the teams with interest in Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Zach Eflin include the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, according to major-league sources,” Murray reported. “In addition to rotation assistance, one executive who has spoken with the Braves stated that Atlanta is ‘looking for a bunch of different things with all their injuries.'” But Braves executive Alex Anthopoulos has long admired Eflin, who is under contract for $18 million in 2025. The Cardinals, meantime, are looking for rotation help, and one baseball source believes Eflin, 30, could have a similar influence on and off the field in St. Louis as Adam Wainwright.
Eflin is a nine-year major league veteran who has previously played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays. He led the American League with 16 victories last season and has a 4.09 ERA in 19 starts this year.
Don’t be surprised if Eflin is moved before the July 30th trade deadline, and the Braves remain in the hunt to the finish.
