Atlanta Braves Make Big Decision with Injured Star Pitcher
The Atlanta Braves continue to get bad news on the starting pitching front. The team recently lost both Kyle Wright and Max Fried to the injured list, and now they've placed Wright on the 60-day injured list, meaning he's out at least two months.
In a corresponding move, the team has claimed Dereck Rodriguez off waivers.
The extended loss of Wright is a big one for a Braves team that is leading the National League East right now by five games. The Braves are 25-15 while the Phillies are in second place.
He's dealing with more shoulder issues after starting the season on the shelf with shoulder inflammation as well. In limited action this season, he's 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA.
Wright won 21 games a season ago and was the only 20-game winner in the National League. He went 21-5 to lead the league in wins and posted a 3.19 ERA in just over 180 innings. He finished 10th in the National League Cy Young voting and helped the Braves win the National League East.
In Rodriguez, the Braves are getting a pitcher who has bounced around between the San Francisco Giants and Minnesota Twins. He made his major league debut in 2018 and won six games in each of 2018 and 2019. He's 12-16 for his career with a 4.27 ERA.
He's the son of Baseball Hall of Fame member Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez.
The Braves open up a series with the first-place Texas Rangers on Monday night in Arlington. First pitch is 8:05 p.m. ET.
Follow Fastball on FanNation in social media
Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.
You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.