Injuries continue to plague the Atlanta Braves, with the latest victim being left-handed pitcher Ray Kerr, who requires Tommy John surgery. The Braves announced the update on Kerr before their series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night. Kerr was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on June 15 after his last appearance against the Tampa Bay Rays, where he pitched one inning, allowing two hits, three walks, and an earned run. Upon his return to Gwinnett, Kerr complained of elbow pain and didn’t throw a pitch. For the season, he posted a 5.64 ERA over 22 1/3 innings, with 27 strikeouts and a 1.61 WHIP.
The #Braves have placed LHP Ray Kerr on the 15-day injured list with a left elbow UCL injury, effective June 16, and voided his option to Triple-A Gwinnett on June 15.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 24, 2024
The Braves saw potential in Kerr, a hard-throwing left-hander capable of pitching one to three innings. They even considered making him a starter for a six-man rotation. Despite his struggles, Atlanta absorbed four million dollars of Matt Carpenter’s salary from a trade with the San Diego Padres. Kerr remains on the 40-man roster, currently on the 15-day injured list, but could be moved to the 60-day IL if necessary.
**State of the Rotation and Bullpen**
The Braves have faced both injuries and performance issues in their bullpen and starting rotation. They are still searching for a consistent fifth starter and have concerns with veteran Charlie Morton, who has a 4.20 ERA this season. However, the resurgence of Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, along with Max Fried’s strong performance, has been beneficial. Atlanta’s team ERA is 3.60, ranking eighth in MLB, with a bullpen ERA of 3.21, trailing only the Cleveland Guardians and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
**Help is on the Horizon**
Despite Kerr’s injury, reinforcements could be arriving soon. Veteran lefty A.J. Minter, who went on the 15-day IL with left hip inflammation on May 30, has started a rehab assignment and could return to the bullpen soon. Additionally, former postseason hero Ian Anderson is making progress in his return from Tommy John surgery. Anderson has made successful rehab starts and is now moving to High-A Rome to continue his recovery. If he remains healthy, Anderson could potentially secure the fifth starter spot.
**Candidates on the Chopping Block**
Three pitchers, Daysbel Hernandez, Grant Holmes, and Spencer Schwellenbach, could be sent back to Triple-A after the roster adjustments. Hernandez or Holmes may be demoted once Minter completes his rehab. Holmes, despite his inspiring journey to the majors, is likely to be sent down due to less experience compared to Hernandez. Schwellenbach might also return to Triple-A if Anderson’s recovery stays on track.
Lowest ERA by a @Braves pitcher through 13 starts of a season:
Greg Maddux (1994) – 1.41
Reynaldo López (2024) – 1.57 pic.twitter.com/ilZQOg58yS— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 25, 2024
The young prospect has shown potential but needs more development time, with next year being his opportunity to solidify a rotation spot.
