Atlanta Braves Trade Rumors: Jair Jurrjens Will Determine Stance at Deadline

With Brandon Beachy likely out for the rest of the season, it's either up to Jair Jurrjens or the trade pool if the Atlanta Braves want to continue to compete in the National League. 

The Braves, who rank second in the NL in team ERA and are right around the middle of the pack in runs scored per game, are reliant on their pitching. But losing Beachy, who was having an All-Star season—2.00 ERA, 0.96 WHIP—is killer. 

Their pitching may rank near the top of the league, but without Beachy, the starting core gets fairly inconsistent after Tommy Hanson and Tim Hudson.

Lots of youth and potential? Yes. But is that picture perfect for keeping up in a pennant or wild card chase? Probably not. 

When it comes down to it, the Braves are going to have to find a way to fill Beachy's spot or say so long to the playoffs. 

Enter Jair Jurrjens.

Jurrjens, who will return to the starting rotation on Friday against the Red Sox, according to David O'Brien (via ajc.com), will have to return to his old form.

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Curious and hopeful. Because if Andrews’ second opinion on Beachy’s injury is what most expect it to be and surgery is recommended, the Braves are going to need the rest of their starters to pick up some slack. That, or trade for an established veteran pitcher, which would likely cost the Braves a prospect or two and stress a payroll that has little room under the Braves’ current self-imposed limit.

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The trade deadline is always an option, sure, but when Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza are looking like the best options, it would be much better for Atlanta if they could just get something out of Jurrjens. 

That's easier said than done. 

While Jurrjens did make the All-Star game last year, he has been atrocious this year. Before being sent to the minors, he compiled a 9.37 ERA in four starts. He gave up five home runs and 10 walks in just 16.1 innings, and he struck out just eight. 

Yikes.

Things haven't fared much better for the young righty down at Triple-A Gwinnett, either. 

In 10 starts, he has a 5.18 ERA and 1.430 WHIP. Is he ready to start getting major league hitters out? It sure doesn't look like it. Is it vital that he finds a way? Yes.

Am I asking myself too many questions? Absolutely.

Anyways, if the Braves are unwilling to give Kris Medlen a shot in the starting rotation, it appears that their options are Jair Jurrjens or the trade market if they plan on contending in September. 

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