The Atlanta Braves appear to be buyers once again as the trade deadline approaches. With a possible need for arms in their starting rotation, the Tampa Bay Rays have been mentioned as a potential trade partner.
MLB columnist Bob Nightengale has mentioned the possibility of the teams working together on a transaction. If the Atlanta Braves decide to pursue a pitcher, they are allegedly interested in 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,” writes Nightengale.
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 tied with the Minnesota Twins for the American League’s last Wild Card slot. It’s too early to say whether they’ll give up on their quest for a sixth consecutive postseason berth.
There’s also the question of Eflin’s health. He was placed on the disabled list over the weekend due to irritation in his lower back. That is something the Atlanta Braves will undoubtedly keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Eflin, who led the American League in wins in 2023, has been a consistent performer for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. He leads the MLB with an 11 strikeout/walk ratio and 0.6 walks per nine innings. This kind of precise management helps overcome not being the hardest thrower.
In ten starts this season, Eflin is 3-4. He has an ERA of 4.12 after 59 innings pitched and 44 strikeouts. The Atlanta Braves have received tremendous output from Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez this season, but they could always use another arm with Spencer Strider out for the season.
