3 team needs for the Braves leading up to the trade deadline

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Pitching has been the backbone of the Atlanta Braves organization since the days of John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. This year, however, things didn't go according to plan after the starting rotation was decimated by injuries to Kris Medlen, Brandon Beachy and Gavin Floyd.

Amazingly, the Braves have still remained competitive in the National League East with a makeshift pitching staff, but a few adjustments must be made if Atlanta wants to get back to the playoffs.

1. No. 2 starter

Fredi Gonzalez has a bonafide No. 1 starter in Julio Teheran, but Ervin Santana is getting knocked around after a hot start. The hard-throwing righty jumped out to a 4-0 record with a 1.99 ERA after six starts, but is just 3-6 and has seen his ERA blow up to 4.01 since. The team has a glaring need for a quality arm to bolster the rotation down the stretch as it's probably unrealistic to believe veteran Aaron Harang to continue on his current pace.

2. Quality left-handed reliever

The elbow injury to Jonny Venters has left Luis Avilan as the only lefty in the Braves bullpen. Avilan's 4.85 ERA and 1.65 WHIP would hardly classify him as a lefty specialist, and left-handed hitting opponents are batting a lofty .277 against him. Having a quality left-hander to silence dangerous left-handed bats down the stretch is an essential piece for any bullpen of a contending team.

3. Veteran depth player with playoff experience

With Chipper Jones retiring, the Braves do lack a roster for the most part with extensive playoff experience. A veteran player that has been there and done that in October could serve an important role in the clubhouse for young players like Andrelton Simmons and Tommy La Stella. The New York Yankees released veteran outfielder Alfonso Soriano on Monday, and maybe he'd be a fit with the Braves.