The Atlanta Braves look like they are once again going to be buyers ahead of the trade deadline. With a potential need for arms in their starting rotation, the Tampa Bay Rays have been floated as a potential trade partner.
MLB writer Bob Nightengale has made mention of the teams possibly coming together on a deal. Should the Atlanta Braves target a pitcher, they have reportedly set their sights on starting pitcher Zach Eflin.
“Atlanta is keeping a close eye on Tampa Bay Rays veteran starter Zach Eflin if they decide they need another starter at the trade deadline,” Nightengale wrote.
There are a few potential snags in such a deal getting done. For starters, the Rays may not want to sell. They are currently eight games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East but still have a winning record.
At 25-23, Tampa Bay is currently tied with the Minnesota Twins for the final Wild Card spot in the American League. It is too early to tell if they will give up on chasing a sixth straight playoff appearance.
There is also the issue of Eflin’s health. He was placed on the injured list over the weekend with lower back inflammation. That is something the Atlanta Braves will certainly be keeping an eye on in the coming weeks.
The American League leader in wins during the 2023 season, Eflin has been solid for the Tampa Bay Rays once again in 2024. He leads MLB with 11 strikeout/walk ratio and 0.6 walks per nine innings. That kind of pinpoint control helps overcome not being the hardest thrower.
In 10 starts, Eflin has gone 3-4 this season. He has an ERA of 4.12 in 59 innings pitched with 44 strikeouts. The Atlanta Braves have received excellent production from Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez this season, but could always use another arm with Spencer Strider sidelined for the season.
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