ATLANTA — It's nearly impossible to envision the return of Brandon Beachy, last season's National League ERA before being shut down for Tommy John surgery, creating an issue for the Braves' brass. And yet, the day is fast approaching and Atlanta still needs to create space on the roster for its could-be No. 1 starter.
There is no definitive blueprint for how to wean a pitcher off the disabled list after elbow surgery, but the Braves have tried two separate routes in two high-profile cases recently: initially bringing Kris Medlen out of the bullpen and inserting Tim Hudson directly into the rotation.
So what's the plan for Beachy with the pitching staff dominating and the Braves hanging onto a 7 1/2-game lead in the NL East entering their series against the Padres this week.
The Chopcast team — Zach Dillard, Jay Clemons and Cory McCartney — gets together to discuss Beachy and more on the latest edition of the Chopcast. Here are the highglights:
-- What are the biggest takeaways from the Braves' most recent series against the Dodgers? Is there something to be said for a team filled with so many high-quality role players winning the season series against the highest payroll in baseball, one defined by and under-performing (and injured) lineup?
-- Did Dan Uggla play the best game he's ever played in a Braves uniform against the Dodgers on Sunday? Why should he be referred to as a "Three True Outcome" player?
-- The Braves starting rotation has proven to be lights-out over the past five games — just in time for Beachy's return? Who should be sent to the bullpen?
-- What challenges to the Braves face in their series against Padres?
