The grand experiment lasted only one time through the rotation.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez wanted to use six starters for the final two weeks of August to help the Braves survive a stretch of 20 games in 20 days and also to audition the starters for September’s five-man staff.
The plan had to be scrapped after the first time through the rotation because Ben Sheets developed a sore shoulder and was placed on the DL.
He might have been the odd man out any way, because he hadn’t been as effective since his hot July start. He posted a 1.41 ERA in his first five starts, but that number ballooned to 7.71 over his past three outings.
So the Braves start September with the rotation of Tim Hudson, Paul Maholm, Kris Medlen, Tommy Hanson and Mike Minor, unless injuries or ineffectiveness force another change.
Here’s a look at the Braves’ rotation»
