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Braves Pitching Plagued by Injuries, Seek Giolito's Help
26 Mar
Summary
- Braves face significant pitching injuries for the 2026 season.
- Lucas Giolito is an unsigned free agent after a strong 2025 season.
- Giolito's addition could bolster the Braves' rotation amidst absences.
The Atlanta Braves are confronting a challenging start to the 2026 season due to an extensive list of pitching injuries. Already without Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, the team recently learned that key right-hander Spencer Strider will also miss Opening Day due to an oblique strain. These setbacks compound the struggles of their pitching staff from the previous season, which contributed to a 76-86 record.
In their search for reinforcements, the Braves are looking at free agent Lucas Giolito. Despite missing all of 2024 due to elbow surgery, Giolito had a notable bounceback in 2025 with the Boston Red Sox. He made 26 starts, achieving a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA and striking out 121 batters over 145 innings. His potential addition could significantly aid a Braves team desperate for starting rotation depth.
With injuries sidelining key arms, Giolito offers valuable innings-eating potential. While not an ace, he could provide much-needed stability in the middle of the rotation. The Braves aim to improve upon their postseason miss in 2025 and contend in a competitive National League East division. Signing Giolito would provide a crucial boost as they navigate the early part of the 2026 season with several pitchers on the injured list.
