Overview
- President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos named Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López and Grant Holmes as rotation locks.
- Schwellenbach underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs in his right elbow and is expected to be sidelined into June.
- Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz, Hurston Waldrep and José Suárez headline the internal contenders for the remaining spot, with Elder and Wentz facing out-of-options pressure.
- Hurston Waldrep impressed in an early live batting practice session and is viewed as having the potential to emerge as a frontline starter later this season.
- Atlanta continues to discuss adding a proven “playoff starter” via free agency or trade after targets like Chris Bassitt and Zac Gallen signed elsewhere.