Braves

[BoomBoom]

Braves trade Sean Rodriguez to Pirates, call up Max Fried.

Both moves are entirely unexpected, and only make sense in the previously-speculated argument that they are aggressively positioning for 2018. They clear some money owed to SR for 2018 and a bench spot for Carmago. Max Fried was hoped to fast-track thru AA and AAA this year and compete for a rotation spot in 2018, but was horrible until hitting the DL, and has been really good in 10 IP since coming back. it would be very early to be giving up on him being a starter.

[msstate7]

I hate messing with fried after he finally started pitching well

[BoomBoom]

I hate messing with fried after he finally started pitching well

true, but they either respond to pressure and challenges, or they don't. for whatever reason, they are throwing these guys into challenges rather than biding their time. i think they trade Markakis and call up Acuna. if someone makes a waiver claim on Kakes, i bet the Braves say take him. if not, they work out a trade with whoever they want.