Braves receive sobering Tarik Skubal trade update following Spencer Strider elbow injury

The Atlanta Braves have played exceptionally well this season despite the injuries they have endured. Atlanta currently owns the best record in Major League Baseball, but there is still a long way to go before the postseason.

The Braves appear to have most of the pieces necessary to contend for a World Series title, but they are expected to add more talent before the trade deadline. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has already hinted that Atlanta plans to be active.

“I fully expect and hope that we will be engaged in trades come July. I'm not trying to overly excite anybody or promise anything. But if we're playing the way we are right now, we're going to be in there,” Anthopoulos said.

The need for a trade or two became even more urgent after last week. Spencer Strider exited Friday's game against the New York Mets with an elbow injury after his fastball velocity dropped into the upper 80s.

“The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his throwing elbow. Right-hander Anthony Molina was called up from Triple-A in the corresponding 26-man roster move. The placement comes a day after Strider was removed during the fourth inning of Friday’s 7-5 loss to the Mets,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Mark Polishuk wrote.

One name that has repeatedly surfaced as a potential target for Atlanta is Tarik Skubal, who is expected to be one of the most sought-after pitchers on the trade market. However, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal poured some cold water on the Braves' chances of acquiring the left-hander.

“I don't know that they can get Skubal, but they're a team that I'm sure will at least check in,” Rosenthal said.

The Braves will likely need to add another starting pitcher, if not two, if they hope to make a deep postseason run. At the same time, any acquisition would ideally provide value beyond this season.

Skubal would likely be a short-term addition unless Atlanta is willing to commit to a massive long-term contract. Re-signing him would almost certainly require a significant financial investment, something the Braves have historically been reluctant to do. While it would be disappointing if Atlanta is unable to land Skubal, that may simply be the reality of the situation.

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