Braves' surprise signing of NL East rival, MLB starter, raises questions about GM Alex Anthopoulos

Key Highlights

• He’s been placed on the 60-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow, per Mark Bowman of MLB. com.
• The team’s hope is that the 25-year-old is dealing with bone spurs and not something more nefarious,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote. Less than a week later, the rotation took another hit when it became clear that young arm Hurston Waldrep is dealing with arm discomfort and could miss time to start the year.“The Atlanta Braves' rotation took another hit Sunday when manager Walt Weiss said right-hander Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" found in his arm.
• Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice.
• Weiss said an MRI showed no ligament damage, but the team is waiting to learn more after Waldrep has additional tests,” ESPN wrote. With all of this unfolding, many expected Atlanta’s next move to be the addition of a starting pitcher.
• Instead, the Braves signed first baseman Dominic Smith, who currently has no clear path to playing time unless another injury occurs. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“First baseman Dominic Smith finds job with Atlanta, signing one-year minor-league contract,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote. The decision by Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos is a questionable one, especially given the team’s mounting rotation concerns.