With all of the injuries that the Atlanta Braves roster is dealing with, the team needs to make a deal at the trade deadline to make a playoff push.
After finally getting Spencer Strider back into the rotation, things were looking good for the Braves' pitching staff, but a recent injury to AJ Smith-Shawver, who's expected to get surgery later this week, has left an opening in the starting rotation again.
Atlanta is below .500 and needs a boost before falling too far behind in the rankings. St. Louis Cardinals veteran hurler Erick Fedde could be a perfect trade candidate for the Braves, according to Sports Illustrated's Zach Pressnell.
"Erick Fedde is one of the more interesting names on the St. Louis Cardinals right now," Pressnell wrote. "He's contributed to multiple team wins this season while being a valuable asset to the roster. But he's on an expiring contract and the Cardinals are unlikely to re-sign him in the offseason. These factors make him a prime trade candidate, especially with Michael McGreevy expected to return to the big leagues as the Cardinals are reportedly going to shift to a six-man rotation."
"With Fedde seemingly expendable this season, an injury-riddled team like the Atlanta Braves could swoop in and swing a trade for the Cardinals righty. Although this season has been horrendous for the Braves, they're not out of the race yet. A recent injury to AJ Smith-Shawver could be the final event that ignites a trade for a pitcher like Fedde."
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
Fedde is in the second year of a two-year, $15 million contract, according to Spotrac, and could be a great piece to add to the Braves' pitching staff as they look to get healthy. The 32-year-old hurler is 3-5 for the Cardinals this season, but has a 3.82 ERA in 68.1 innings pitched. Fedde could be a great rotational piece for Atlanta with numbers like that, and is a reliable and consistent option.
More MLB: Angels veteran outfielder could be perfect Philles trade candidate