Atlanta faces a turbulent 2025 as expectations fade and injuries bite. Snitker, the franchise’s longest-tenured manager, is steering a club with aging roots and a contract likely to expire at season’s end, casting doubt on his future in Atlanta despite a string of playoff berths. The narrative centers on a pitching staff drained by injuries and a front-office pivot to depth, not rebuild.

Key injuries have crippled the rotation. Joe Jiménez’s knee setback closes out his 2025, Reynaldo López and Spencer Schwellenbach appear done for the year, and Atlanta has leaned on depth moves to patch the gaps. In response, Carlos Carrasco resurfaced on a minor-league deal, slated for Gwinnett as a long-innings option. Fantasy managers should monitor Carrasco’s innings intake and the evolving role of Atlanta’s longer men as the season winds down.

In short, the Braves’ season pivots on bullpen depth, innings-eating efforts, and managerial continuity. Carrasco’s arrival adds a veteran floor, while the injury toll narrows the path to late-season success and playoff positioning. For fantasy, value shifts to those absorbing extra frames and any late-inning opportunities that emerge as the rotation stabilizes post-injuries.

Atlanta Braves have been playing their best baseball in years, yet postseason hopes look dim this season. Manager Brian Snitker, in the final year of his contract, faces questions about his future as the club contends with injuries and payroll moves that could reshape their roster.

Injuries loom large: Joe Jiménez is shelved with knee soreness and won’t return this year, while Reynaldo López and Spencer Schwellenbach are unlikely to pitch again in 2025. At the same time, Ozuna and Iglesias haven’t lived up to expectations, leaving open the possibility of a late-season payroll play as Atlanta sits below the luxury-tax threshold and could save roughly $5 million by moving them if claimed.

Jonathan Cannon of the Chicago White Sox has been scratched from his scheduled start due to lower back tightness, classified as day-to-day. He expressed optimism about making a return soon, noting that the discomfort was unexpected. Despite his absence, the White Sox leveraged a six-run sixth inning, characterized by critical mistakes from the Texas Rangers, to secure a 10-5 victory. Players like Andrew Benintendi and Lenyn Sosa stepped up, contributing crucial hits that propelled the Sox to a series win.

The White Sox's pitching, particularly Sean Burke's performance in a prior victory, has shown promise, but Cannon's health is a concern. He recorded a solid 3.76 ERA over ten outings this season, and the team is hopeful he can avoid the injured list. As the White Sox aim for a sweep in their upcoming match, maintaining key player health will be vital.

For Week 2 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, several starting pitchers are available on waiver wires to enhance your roster. Highlighted names include Dustin May from the Los Angeles Dodgers, a promising arm back from injury, and Chris Bassitt, the veteran Toronto Blue Jays pitcher, known for consistent performance despite being overlooked. Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks is also mentioned as a buy-low candidate, while Jose Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels is noted for his evolving pitch mix.

In deeper leagues, Max Meyer from the Miami Marlins and Tylor Megill of the New York Mets are suggested as potential adds given their solid starts. Jordan Hicks of the San Francisco Giants showcases formidable velocity and could provide value, while Charlie Morton from the Baltimore Orioles is seen as a veteran option amidst early struggles. Remember, adjusting your lineup constantly is crucial for success.

The Atlanta Braves are facing a significant challenge in their bullpen as right-hander Joe Jiménez is sidelined due to surgery and lefty A.J. Minter is reportedly heading to the New York Mets. Despite signing several pitchers to minor league contracts this offseason, the Braves have yet to make a significant addition to their bullpen. With the offseason clock ticking, they are exploring affordable relief pitcher options for potential Major League contracts.

Colin Poche, a left-handed pitcher formerly with the Tampa Bay Rays, is on the market after posting a 3.86 ERA in 43 appearances in 2024, although he had previously achieved a 2.23 ERA when healthy. Lucas Sims, once a Brave, had a mixed year with the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox, finishing with a 3.57 ERA but showing promise in September after recovering from injury.

Other candidates include Matt Moore, who had a successful stint before regressing in 2024, and Kyle Finnegan, a 2024 All-Star with the Nationals. The Braves are looking for low-risk, high-reward signings to bolster their bullpen as the new season approaches.