#starting-rotation

#starting-rotation

That Atlanta Braves have taken another blow to their potential starting rotation with news this afternoon that starting pitcher Hurston Waldrep had an MRI after experiencing discomfort in his elbow while throwing batting practice. The MRI showed "loose bodies" but no ligament damage. Braves manager Walt Weiss met with the media and gave some additional details on Waldrep's status. Weiss said Waldrep will be meeting with doctors on Monday. The assumption is that some type of procedure will be needed.

The Rangers solidified the top of their rotation when they landed left-hander MacKenzie Gore in a trade with the Nationals. Gore, Jacob deGrom, and Nathan Eovaldi will form what should be a dominant trio, as long as everyone stays healthy. Former top prospect Jack Leiter delivered a solid campaign in his first full-time look at the big league level, likely earning him the No. 4 spot. After that, it gets murky.

The Yankees finally picked up some of the pitching depth they were looking for, acquiring left-hander Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins for a package of four prospects. Infielders Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus, and outfielders Dillon Lewis and Brendan Jones are going back Miami's way. Lewis had been at the top of the Marlins' priority list, as they inquired about him in talks regarding fellow starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, who was dealt to the Chicago Cubs last week.

The Rockies are looking for a few veterans to eat innings in their rotation, general manager Josh Byrnes tells Thomas Harding of MLB.com. "We've played out scenarios where we would attempt to bring in two guys who can stabilize that area - who can not only pitch well but know how to give us some bulk innings, which any team needs," Byrnes said.

The Halos were known to be seeking at least two starting pitchers this winter, and while Rodriguez technically counts toward that end, he's coming off a season lost to injury and hasn't pitched in a big league game since July 2024. He's said to be healthy now, but even if that's the case, the Angels can't simply pencil him in for 30 starts next year.