Braves Facing Pitching Crisis as Injuries Mount

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggests Atlanta should sign free agent Lucas Giolito to bolster rotation

Mar. 25, 2026 at 5:50am

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The Atlanta Braves are facing a pitching crisis as multiple starting pitchers have landed on the injured list, including Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Hurston Waldrep. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal believes the Braves should sign free agent Lucas Giolito to help shore up their rotation.

Why it matters

The Braves were already thin on starting pitching depth, and these injuries have left them in a precarious position heading into the new season. Signing Giolito could provide a much-needed boost to their rotation and help them remain competitive in the NL East.

The details

The Braves have placed Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Hurston Waldrep on the injured list, leaving them short-handed in the starting rotation. Rosenthal suggests the Braves should pursue free agent Lucas Giolito, who is still available on the market after a strong 2025 season with the Red Sox.

  • At the start of spring training, the Braves placed Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep on the 60-day IL.
  • Just days ahead of Opening Day, Spencer Strider joined them with an oblique injury.

The players

Spencer Strider

A Braves starting pitcher who is expected to miss the opening weeks of the season due to an oblique injury.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A Braves starting pitcher who is on the 60-day IL and not expected back until at least June.

Hurston Waldrep

A Braves starting pitcher who is on the 60-day IL and not expected back until at least June.

Lucas Giolito

A free agent starting pitcher who had a strong 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox and is still available on the market.

Ken Rosenthal

An MLB insider who suggests the Braves should sign Giolito to bolster their depleted rotation.

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What they’re saying

“They're in a really difficult spot right now to start the season. They're the team that should be the team to sign Lucas Giolito. He's still out there. I don't know exactly what they're waiting for, other than maybe the price to drop.”

— Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider

“After the Schwellenbach and Waldrep injuries, they were one injury way from a true crisis. Well, here we are. They're not really protected with the depth of their rotation.”

— Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider

“Maybe some of these pitchers ultimately come back and are effective and healthy. But if I'm a Braves fan—yes, I'm freaking out a little bit right now.”

— Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider

What’s next

The Braves are expected to make a decision on whether to sign Giolito in the coming days as they look to shore up their depleted rotation before the start of the season.

The takeaway

The Braves' pitching injuries have left them in a precarious position, and signing a proven veteran like Lucas Giolito could be a crucial move to help them remain competitive in the NL East race.