When it comes to the Braves' rotation in 2025, injuries have played a significant role. Chris Sale, who exceeded expectations in 2024 by starting more than 20 games for the first time since 2019 and winning the NL Cy Young Award, remains a concern. His durability is crucial as a late-season injury just before the playoffs reignited those concerns from his acquisition. Managing his workload as he enters his age-36 season will be of utmost importance.

Key Players in Stabilizing the Rotation

With Fried and Morton set to become free agents, Strider recovering from injury, and Sale needing to manage his workload throughout the year, Schwellenbach and López will be critical. Their contributions will be essential in ensuring the stability of the rotation.

The Chris Sale Dilemma

Sale's performance in 2024 was remarkable. He started more games than in several years and achieved a prestigious award. However, his age and the potential for injuries make his durability a topic of great concern. The Braves need to find a balance between maximizing his potential and protecting him from overuse. This requires careful management of his workload and ensuring he stays healthy throughout the season. 1: Sale's ability to perform at a high level is undeniable. His success in 2024 was a testament to his skill and determination. But as he approaches his age-36 season, the risk of injuries increases. The Braves must be proactive in addressing this issue to avoid a repeat of the late-season injury that derailed their playoff hopes. 2: One way to manage Sale's workload is to implement a pitch count and inning limit. By closely monitoring his usage, the team can ensure that he doesn't overexert himself and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, providing him with proper rest and recovery time between starts is crucial. This may involve adjusting his schedule or giving him an extra day of rest when needed.

The Bryce Elder Effect

Elder's 2023 season serves as a cautionary tale for rookie pitchers. In his first season as a mainstay in the rotation, he had an impressive 12-4 record with a 3.81 ERA and 1.277 WHIP across 31 games, earning a 2023 NL All-Star nod. But upon closer examination of the splits, it becomes clear that the first half of the year was a facade. 1: Elder's early-season success may have led some to believe that he was a sure thing. However, the second half of the year showed that he still had room for improvement and was vulnerable to certain types of opponents or game situations. This highlights the importance of not getting too carried away by initial success and continuously working on one's game. 2: For the Braves, Elder's experience serves as a reminder that rookie pitchers need to be developed carefully. They need to be exposed to different types of situations and challenges to build their resilience and improve their performance. The coaching staff must play a crucial role in guiding them through the ups and downs of the season and helping them grow as pitchers.

The Importance of Rotation Stability

A stable rotation is essential for a team's success. With Fried and Morton potentially leaving and Strider recovering from injury, the Braves need to rely on the remaining players to step up and provide consistent performances. Schwellenbach and López will be key in this regard. 1: A stable rotation allows the team to build momentum and have a consistent presence on the mound. It gives the hitters confidence and allows them to develop a rhythm. Without a stable rotation, the team can struggle to find consistency and may be more vulnerable to opposing teams. 2: The Braves need to focus on developing a rotation that can withstand the rigors of a long season. This means not only having talented pitchers but also managing their workloads and ensuring they stay healthy. By investing in the development of these players and providing them with the necessary support, the team can build a rotation that is capable of competing at a high level.