Injuries hit early for the Atlanta Braves, causing the team to make a few panic signings midway through spring training. Both Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen are both ruled out for the entire 2014 season after undergoing their second Tommy John surgery procedures following injuries in the spring. That certainly was not an ideal situation for the Braves and now the newest pitching addition will make his debut as the Braves wrap up Florida training against the Detroit Tigers.
After signing Ervin Santana to a one-year contract, the Braves struck a deal with Aaron Harang for a one-year deal. Harang has played for six different teams over the past calendar year and the Braves certainly hope he is good enough to keep around for a while considering the team is desperate for arms. Right now, the Braves rotation is Julio Tehran and not much else. Mike Minor is also dealing with injuries. Gavin Floyd is uncertain. Santana will start the year as a reliever. Alex Wood is not proven.
Harang has certainly had an interesting career that will hopefully be stabilized in Atlanta for all Braves' fans sanity. The pitcher was traded from the Dodgers to the Rockies after not earning a starting spot last season. He was then dealt to the Mariners a week later. He allowed six earned runs or more in six of 26 starts for the team. He then went to the Mets where he posted a 3.53 ERA in four starts.
Meanwhile the Detroit Tigers are pleased with their rotation. Max Scherzer will make his final spring training start on Thursday after a strong preseason. Pairing him along with ace Justin Verlander create an excellent one-two punch for the Tigers that should carry the team throughout the season. Players like Ian Kinsler and Miguel Cabrera along with Torii Hunter have the batting order looking impressive.