The Atlanta Braves are facing a rocky start to their 2024 season, having only managed to secure their first victory last night. The situation is compounded by significant roster challenges as the team grapples with a critical 80-game suspension handed to outfielder Jurickson Profar due to a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Additionally, the Braves will be without right-hander Reynaldo Lopez for an extended period as he is slated for shoulder surgery, further complicating the team's lineup and pitching rotation.

Despite these setbacks, there is a glimmer of hope for Braves fans. MLB.com reports that promising right-hander Spencer Strider is scheduled to make a rehab start at Triple-A this Thursday. This outing could potentially be his last before he re-joins the major league roster. Strider's return would be a substantial boost for the Braves, who are currently navigating the challenges of a depleted pitching staff following Lopez’s injury.

Strider's presence in the rotation would be transformative, especially considering the performance of the current starting options. While the Braves do have reigning AL Cy Young award winner Chris Sale and young right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach, the pitching staff is heavily reliant on converted reliever Grant Holmes and inexperienced pitchers AJ Smith-Shawver and Bryce Elder, both of whom have had inconsistent performances in their big league careers. Strider, who was the runner-up for the NL Rookie of the Year in 2022 and earned an All-Star nod along with a fourth-place finish in the 2023 NL Cy Young voting, is no ordinary pitcher.

Although Strider's career ERA of 3.47 is above average, it doesn't fully encapsulate his prowess. His staggering 36.9% strikeout rate and an impressive 2.56 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) place him among the elite pitchers in the league. While it may be unrealistic to expect him to replicate that peak performance immediately following injury, even a slightly diminished Strider could significantly bolster the Braves' rotation. Encouragingly, his recent rehab outings show a remarkable 46.7% strikeout rate and a minuscule 1.08 ERA, indicating he may not have lost his edge.

In addition to Strider, catcher Sean Murphy is also on the horizon for a potential return. Murphy is set to make a nine-inning rehab appearance at Triple-A tomorrow, which could pave the way for his return to the Braves on Tuesday when they face the Philadelphia Phillies. This would be an incredible relief for Atlanta, especially considering Murphy suffered a fractured rib last month that sidelined him. While his 2024 season has already been marred by injuries, Murphy is not far removed from being regarded as one of the league's top catchers. His return could revitalize a struggling lineup, especially if he can produce near his career slash line of .233/.329/.429 or recreate the star-level performance he exhibited in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Murphy's comeback may also signal the end of top catching prospect Drake Baldwin’s time in the majors, as Baldwin has struggled to find his footing, going just 2-for-22 with three walks and five strikeouts over his six games. While his small sample size does not warrant a definitive evaluation, it wouldn't be surprising if the Braves opted to send him back to Triple-A for regular at-bats. In the meantime, Chadwick Tromp could serve as the backup catcher, especially with the recent acquisition of catcher Jason Delay from the Pittsburgh Pirates, who was added to the 40-man roster. This strategic move provides the Braves with flexibility in their catching lineup, allowing them to take calculated risks with their roster management.

Amidst the various roster adjustments, there are whispers of potential changes in the shortstop position as well. As suggested by The Athletic’s David O’Brien, a shift may be imminent for the Braves. Nick Allen, who was originally brought in as a bench option, has impressed with a solid .333 batting average and strong defensive play early in the season. Conversely, Orlando Arcia has had a lackluster performance with a disappointing 2-for-13 start and five strikeouts. If the Braves continue their early-season struggles, Allen might seize the opportunity for a more substantial role on the squad.