Atlanta Braves Trade Rumors: John Lackey Could Solidify The Rotation

Atlanta Braves trade rumors will primarily focus on two areas; finding a proven left-handed reliever and getting another veteran starting pitcher to solidify their rotation. The big name starters being tossed around in Atlanta Braves trade rumors are David Price and Jon Lester. In reality, the Braves are more likely to chase down a much cheaper option than both of those two.

As mentioned by Fansided, John Lackey could be the starting pitcher the Atlanta Braves need. 2014 has been a roller coaster ride for the Braves as they have managed to find a way to stick around the top of the National League East. The ride began in the offseason with devastating injuries to three of their starting pitchers, leading to Aaron Harang and Ervin Santana being called upon to fill the gaps.

Both veteran pitchers have been better than expected, but are showing signs of struggling lately. It appears that the grind of the season and the familiarity of hitters is starting to reveal the weaknesses of both pitchers. While the Atlanta Braves have quality young pitching that have performed admirably, Mike Minor and Alex Wood have been called upon to be rotation fixtures and neither has been as consistent as the Braves would like.

Not only has the pitching been experiencing extreme highs and lows, but the hitting has been even streakier. Fortunately, the team let Dan Uggla go immediately after the All-Star break and Evan Gattis came back. As a result, the Braves have seen a surge in their batting average and runs scored in the last several weeks. The team is not likely to be making any moves to shake up their lineup, which leaves the rotation or bullpen as the only areas that will improve.

John Lackey, 35, is only due $500,000 next season and has proven to be a very good veteran right-hander this season. Currently, Lackey is sporting a 3.60 ERA and 11-7 record on a struggling Boston Red Sox team. The Atlanta Braves trade rumors concerning John Lackey are sure to gain some steam as both teams look to make moves before the July 31st trade deadline.

[Image via Faith Ninivaggi/Boston Herald]