Another massive need has emerged for the Braves ahead of trade deadline

The chief priority for the Braves leading up to the trade deadline is finding a legitimate frontline arm to sit behind Chris Sale. That’s not changing, and it’s not going to be cheap.

But after the rotation, there’s some debate about where most of their attention should be focused. For the longest time, a right-handed hitting outfielder — preferably one with some pop — would have been second on the list. It still might be, but the bullpen all of a sudden looks like it needs some pretty considerable TLC.

Robert Suarez hasn’t made an appearance in close to six weeks after being placed on the IL with elbow inflammation, and Walt Weiss said earlier in the week he’s still not close to returning. Even if the expectation is he’ll be back well before the postseason, there’s concern over whether he’ll be the same guy who posted a 0.56 ERA this season.

Suarez’s absence, combined with the rotation’s inability to go deep into games, also seems to be taking a toll on Didier Fuentes, Dylan Lee, and Raisel Iglesias. They’re pitching a ton of stressful innings and appear to be running on fumes — not a great sign with still more than two months left in the season.

The reality of the situation is the Braves aren’t likely to land two starters before the August 3rd deadline. It’s a seller’s market, prices are going to be high, and Alex Anthopoulos has never been one to overpay. Getting one is probably the best we can hope for, which would still leave a ton of questions in the rotation.

Those questions can be overcome in October, but only with an elite bullpen. The Braves don’t have that right now — not even close — and the addition of a healthy Robert Suarez alone won’t be enough. They need to add at least one reliever capable of pitching in high-leverage situations, and could probably really use two. It’s quickly become an area that can’t be overlooked at the trade deadline.

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