Braves Receive Disappointing Update on 2.54 ERA Starting Pitcher

Gray has been extremely effective for Boston this season. The right-hander has started 17 games, producing a 2.54 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, 85 strikeouts and an opponent slash line of .229/.283/.371 in 95.2 innings.

However, after going 14-2 in the past 16 games, Boston is 46-48 and just half a game back from a wild card spot. After this stretch, ESPN's Jesse Rogers explained that the Red Sox's turnaround has likely changed the team's outlook before the deadline.

"About 10 days ago, I would have said Aroldis Chapman and/or Sonny Gray but that calculus has changed for the moment," Rogers wrote. "The Red Sox were built to contend for the playoffs and that's what they're finally doing. If they continue on this track, they won't be dealing players away. 

With Gray potentially off the market, the Braves may need to look elsewhere to bolster their pitching staff. Luckily, there are a handful of talented starters expected to still be up for grabs at the deadline.

Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan list the Braves as one of the best fits for other options such as the Detroit Tigers' Tarik Skubal, the Minnesota Twins' Joe Ryan and the Los Angeles Angels' Reid Detmers.

With postseason expectations in Atlanta, upgrading their pitching staff is expected to be a top priority. While Gray may no longer be an option, the Braves have several other potential targets they could pursue.