How ex-White Sox, Red Sox 3.41 ERA All-Star can 'save' Braves rotation

The injury bug seems to haunt the Atlanta Braves year after year, especially in the starting rotation. 

Both Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach will spend extended time on the injured list after undergoing similar procedures to remove loose bodies from their throwing elbows. 

Health has always been a concern for Chris Sale and Spencer Strider, too, Atlanta's projected No. 1 and No. 2 starters in the rotation. Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder are projected to fill the final three spots. 

With Spring training reaching its final stage, there's still time for the Braves to dip into the slim free agent market. A 31-year-old All-Star and nine-year veteran remains available. 

Braves could add 'tremendous' depth 

Right-hander Lucas Giolito remains unsigned after an up-and-down season with the Boston Red Sox. Limiting the long ball has always been an issue for the former first-round draft pick, but the Braves need additional depth. 

"If Atlanta could add Giolito to their roster, it would add tremendous depth," FanSided's Austin Owens wrote Monday. "Even if it is something as simple as putting Giolito in the rotation and moving Grant Holmes to the bullpen, it could make a massive difference for the Braves." 

Giolito posted a 3.41 ERA in 145 innings last season with the Red Sox, recording 121 strikeouts and 56 walks. He's well past his prime days as one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball with the Chicago White Sox. 

"By no means would Giolito need to be an all-star in Atlanta to make a difference. [Walt] Weiss just simply needs someone at the back end of that rotation who can keep them in ballgames every fifth day," Owens added. "It has already been proven time and time again Bryce Elder is not that guy." 

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