Obviously losing a starting pitcher who was throwing the best he has all season stings. Fortunately, the Braves have two starters that are ready to join the rotation, one doing so today and one who starting in triple-A last night. While there are question marks surrounding both starters, there is enough potential in both to be confident that the rotation will hardly miss a beat with Hudson out and Alex Wood and Brandon Beachy in.

I stated last week when I was vying for Wood to get a rotation spot that Beachy's lack of command at triple-A was concerning. He again walked more than he struck out last night for Gwinnett which is very concerning, but the Braves are more-or-less forced to push Beachy into the rotation and hope his command gets straightened out in games that count. I was stating before Hudson's injury and after Beachy's outing that I think he needs one more start, but obviously things change just as they did with Evan Gattis right before the All-Star Break. Sometimes the game surprises you and action has to be made. This is one of those times.

I am confident enough in Wood and Beachy that I do not think the Braves should trade for a starter. Julio Teheran and Mike Minor have been great this year and, while they are not Cy Young contenders or household names for non-Braves fans, they can go up against any team in the league and give the Braves a chance to win. If one of Medlen, Beachy, or Wood can establish themselves as a legitimate third starter for the remainder of the year, there should not be much of a need to jump out and get a similar quality starter.

There can be a case to be made to go and get a legitimate ace, but that is expensive and could sacrifice the future. At this point in time, the Braves' system is not what it was when they bought in and went for it in the past. Emptying out the system for an ace could cause long term issues to the system, and, while it is not out of the question, I do believe it is doubtful that the Braves make that type of move.

If the Braves need to make a move for a middle of the rotation guy, they can probably make such a move in August after the July 31 deadline. The rotation has been a big strength all year and I expect that to continue despite the loss of Tim Hudson. It is a youthful group now but one with a lot of talent and potential. I expect Wren and company look at the group the same way and are confident that they can perform down the stretch and in October.