The Braves may make a run at free agent pitcher Ervin Santana after potentially losing Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy to injuries.
Ervin Santana rumors: Braves considering free agent due to injuries
With two starters battling injuries, Frank Wren could make a last-minute push for Santana.
Jamie Squire
Hearing from person connected to Royals that #Braves could be making a run at Santana.
— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) March 10, 2014 Santana remains a free agent despite reports saying he wanted to sign a one-year deal soon. The Twins also made a push for Santana, offering a three-year deal. With a steep price tag and the signing team forfeiting their first round pick in the 2014 Draft to the Royals, Santana is not an easy sell to front offices.
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Enter the Braves, who are looking desperate at the moment. Medlen left Sunday’s game with what the team is calling a forearm strain, and there is speculation he could have a torn ligament in his elbow. On Monday, Beachy left his spring training start after just two innings with biceps tendonitis. Beachy’s velocity has been down all spring after undergoing Tommy John Surgery about 21 months ago.
If Medlen and Beachy miss significant time, Atlanta's opening day rotation would consist of Mike Minor, Julio Teheran, Alex Wood, Freddy Garcia and David Hale. Minor could begin the season on the 15-day disabled list, and Teheran, Wood and Hale are all 26 or younger. Garcia posted a 4.37 ERA over 80 innings last season.
For a team that won 96 games last season -- and returns a bulk of its core -- it is not hard to see why general manager Frank Wren could make a push for Santana.
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