Braves rotation inching closer to MLB history

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MLB: MAY 20 Padres at Braves Game 1

In 2024, there are two things you are guaranteed to see on a nightly basis when watching the Braves:

  1. At least one player exit the game with an injury concern
  2. An absolutely dominant performance from a starting pitcher

The latter of which is the subject of this post. Last night, in the Braves 3-1 win over the Blue Jays, Max Fried went seven innings strong and allowed just one run, becoming the 25th starting pitcher in a row to start a game for the Braves and allow three runs or fewer.

According to Sarah Langs, that’s the Braves longest such streak since the mound was moved in 1893.

This Braves rotation has already made history and will go down as one of the best in a franchise with a long and rich history, but they also have a real chance to make MLB history. Only six teams in MLB history have had starting pitchers allow three runs or fewer in 25+ games, with the longest being the 2021 Dodgers, who did it 32 times.

 

Given how long the game has been around, baseball isn’t typically a game of firsts, but the Braves rotation is just a week away from accomplishing something that has never been done before.

What makes this even more insane is the Braves lost their Opening Day starter to Tommy John surgery just one week into the season. Coming into the year, Spencer Strider was the odds on favorite to win the NL Cy Young award. Many were already heralding him as the best pitcher in the game because of his strikeout prowess. Not many clubs would even be able to keep their heads above water with that kind of loss, but the Braves have somehow remained the best rotation in baseball, thanks in large part to two massive additions.

Chris Sale has turned back the clock and been the best pitcher in the National League. If the season ended today, he should win the NL Cy Young unanimously.

However, Reynaldo Lopez — another offseason acquisition — will also receive consideration. The reliever turned starter made his first All-Star game, and while everyone keeps waiting for regression, he’s only gotten stronger as the season has progressed. In 23 starts, he owns a 2.04 ERA, which would lead all National League starters if he qualified.

Not enough can be said about this year’s Braves rotation. They’ve put this team on their backs and then some. It would be criminal if they didn’t get an opportunity to showcase themselves on the biggest stage in the postseason.

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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire

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