The Atlanta Braves are grappling with mounting challenges in their starting rotation, yet their depth has so far helped them navigate the storm. The latest blow came when AJ Smith-Shawver exited his last start after experiencing a concerning "pop" in his elbow. Placed on the injured list due to a strained right elbow, his return appears uncertain, as manager Brian Snitker indicated that the prognosis is not promising. While the rotation has been resilient, they will need every ounce of their depth to cope with Smith-Shawver's absence.

Adding to the rotation's woes, Reynaldo López is recovering from shoulder surgery, Spencer Strider is still regaining form post-Tommy John surgery after a hamstring setback, and Chris Sale has recently stabilized after a shaky start. Despite these setbacks, the Braves' rotation ERA stands at a respectable 3.78, bolstered by the emergence of Grant Holmes, who has delivered a solid 3.68 ERA over 10 starts.

Smith-Shawver has proven valuable, boasting a 2.33 ERA before his injury, contributing to the Braves' 5-2 record in games he started. Bryce Elder has also shown promise, improving recently with a 3.10 ERA in his last five starts. The rotation dynamics will hinge on the continued recovery of Strider and López, alongside the contributions from Elder and Holmes, to help the Braves maintain their position in a competitive NL East.

Spencer Strider, ace of the Atlanta Braves, has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a strained right hamstring sustained while playing catch. This injury comes shortly after his return from elbow surgery, marking his first big league appearance since April 2022. In his two starts this season, Strider allowed two runs in five innings against Toronto before his scheduled home debut against St. Louis.

Strider, who had a stellar 2023 season with a 20-5 record and a league-leading 281 strikeouts, is now sidelined, joining Reynaldo López, who is out for at least three months after undergoing arthroscopic surgery.

Success in fantasy baseball requires astute management, especially during injury-prone times. Matt McLain of the Cincinnati Reds, who started strong this season, is expected back soon after a brief stint on the injured list. His ability to capitalize on hard-hit metrics suggests he can be a valuable asset upon his return.

Pablo Lopez from the Minnesota Twins is dealing with a mild hamstring strain, which might sideline him for a short period. His impressive start of a 1.62 ERA indicates he should reclaim his role as an ace upon return.

Reynaldo Lopez from the Atlanta Braves is facing a more serious setback due to shoulder surgery, risking a significant portion of the season. His previous success makes this a tough blow for fantasy managers.