Braves Acquire RHP Carlos Carrasco in Trade with Yankees

The Atlanta Braves just picked up right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the New York Yankees. They’re hoping he can help stabilize a pitching rotation that’s been hammered by injuries lately.

Atlanta’s timing here is no accident. The team is scrambling as several of their top pitchers go down, and they’re trying to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Who is Carlos Carrasco, and What Does He Bring to Atlanta?

Carlos Carrasco has spent 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, earning a reputation for sticking around and adapting. Now 38, he’s put together a 112-105 career record with a 4.18 ERA in 332 games, 283 of those as a starter. That’s a lot of innings and a lot of experience for a Braves clubhouse that could use some steadying right now.

He’s played for the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians), the New York Mets, and most recently, the Yankees. His 2023 numbers in New York weren’t great—2-2 with a 5.91 ERA over eight games—but things looked a bit better in Triple-A. Down at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he went 4-2 with a 3.27 ERA in 11 outings. Maybe that shows he’s still got something left, at least in the right situation.

A Timely Addition Amidst Atlanta’s Injury Crisis

The Braves didn’t just grab Carrasco on a whim. They’re dealing with a brutal run of pitcher injuries: Chris Sale (ribs), Grant Holmes (elbow), Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder), Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), and AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) are all out. The pitching staff is running on fumes, so Carrasco’s arrival feels almost necessary.

Just yesterday, Atlanta also traded for right-hander Erick Fedde from the St. Louis Cardinals. Two moves in two days? That’s a front office working overtime to patch things together and keep the team in the hunt.

What’s Next for Carrasco in Atlanta?

Carrasco isn’t the ace he once was, but he knows how to handle tough spots. Atlanta will probably use him for spot starts or to eat innings when the bullpen’s gassed. Every out matters when you’re this short-handed.

For Carrasco, this is a shot to show he can still pitch in the majors. He bounced back in Triple-A after a rough go with the Yankees, so maybe he’s still got the mindset and skills to help out.

The Braves’ Strategy: Staying Competitive Against the Odds

Signing Carrasco fits with Atlanta’s bigger plan to keep their season alive, no matter what. Losing so many pitchers could’ve sunk their chances, but the front office keeps making moves to fill the gaps. That’s the kind of adaptability you need in a long MLB season, even if the solutions aren’t always perfect.

Carrasco also brings postseason experience, which might come in handy if the Braves make a run. Having a veteran around could help stabilize a staff that’s been in constant flux.

What This Means for the Braves Moving Forward

The Braves want to keep their edge, and bringing in Carrasco gives them some quick pitching help. He’s not the ace he once was, but he can still handle different roles, which the team really needs right now.

Atlanta hopes that adding guys like Carrasco and Fedde will steady the rotation and bullpen, at least for a while. Maybe that’ll buy enough time for the injured starters to get healthy.

Baseball’s a grind, isn’t it? The Braves are making moves to stay in the mix, even with all the bumps this season’s thrown at them.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Braves add RHP Carrasco in deal with Yankees