Braves&#39; surprise signing of NL East rival, MLB starter, raises questions about GM Alex Anthopoulos

Braves' surprise signing of NL East rival, MLB starter, raises questions about GM Alex Anthopoulos originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves are already starting to feel the injury bug as Spring Training gets underway. The first major blow came on the very first day of camp, when it was announced that starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach will miss a significant portion of the season.

“The Braves opened camp this morning with an unwelcome update on talented young righty Spencer Schwellenbach. He’s been placed on the 60-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The team’s hope is that the 25-year-old is dealing with bone spurs and not something more nefarious,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote.

Less than a week later, the rotation took another hit when it became clear that young arm Hurston Waldrep is dealing with arm discomfort and could miss time to start the year.

“The Atlanta Braves' rotation took another hit Sunday when manager Walt Weiss said right-hander Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" found in his arm. Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice. Weiss said an MRI showed no ligament damage, but the team is waiting to learn more after Waldrep has additional tests,” ESPN wrote.

With all of this unfolding, many expected Atlanta’s next move to be the addition of a starting pitcher. Instead, the Braves signed first baseman Dominic Smith, who currently has no clear path to playing time unless another injury occurs.

“First baseman Dominic Smith finds job with Atlanta, signing one-year minor-league contract,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.

The decision by Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos is a questionable one, especially given the team’s mounting rotation concerns. Atlanta could be looking at a very interesting Opening Day rotation if a starter isn’t added soon.

Bringing in Smith feels like an odd move, as he doesn’t clearly fit anywhere on the field right now. Still, he could potentially work his way onto the roster by proving he can provide power from the left side.

More MLB news:

Former Steelers DB Wagner Dies at 76

Okafor's Number Retired by UConn

Former Steelers DB Mike Wagner Dies at 76

Weinert Scores 37 to Lead Badgers Past Marauders

Weinert’s career-high 37 points powers Badgers over Marauders in first-round playoff matchup - Brock University Athletics

Emeka Okafor becomes third UConn men’s basketball player to have number retired - TSN

Related News