ATLANTA, GA In a move to address their unprecedented pitching injury crisis, the Atlanta Braves announced Sunday the acquisition of right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde and cash considerations from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals will receive a player to be named later or cash considerations in return.The trade comes as the Braves’ pitching staff has been ravaged by injuries, with all five of their Opening Day starters currently on the injured list. The latest casualty is right-hander Grant Holmes, who was transferred to the 60-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, effectively ending his season and opening a roster spot for Fedde. Holmes joins Chris Sale (fractured left ribcage), Reynaldo López (right shoulder inflammation), Spencer Schwellenbach (fractured right elbow), and AJ Smith-Shawver (torn right UCL, requiring Tommy John surgery) on the sidelines.Fedde, 32, was recently designated for assignment by the Cardinals after struggling to a 3-10 record with a 5.22 ERA in 20 starts this season. In 101 2/3 innings, he has recorded 63 strikeouts against 47 walks. While his 2025 performance has been subpar, Fedde had a solid 2024 campaign, posting a 3.30 ERA in 31 starts split between the Chicago White Sox and the Cardinals, who acquired him at last year’s trade deadline.Despite the Braves (44-60) being well out of contention in the NL Wild Card race, the move for Fedde provides them with a much-needed healthy arm capable of eating innings. Braves manager Brian Snitker acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We’re going to figure out a way and piece this thing together. That’s all you can do, ’cause the games aren’t going to stop because we lost our rotation.”The Cardinals, meanwhile, are reportedly covering the majority of Fedde’s remaining $7.5 million salary for the 2025 season. This trade signals the start of a potential sell-off for St. Louis ahead of the July 31st trade deadline, with other expiring contracts like Ryan Helsley, Steven Matz, and Phil Maton also rumored to be on the market.For the Braves, the acquisition of Fedde, while not a blockbuster move, is a pragmatic step to stabilize a pitching staff that has been decimated by an unfortunate string of injuries. They will be hoping a change of scenery can help Fedde regain some of his previous form as they navigate the remainder of the season.
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