Don't do anything rash with Brandon Beachy

I'll admit it doesn't look good for Brandon Beachy. He's going to visit Dr. James Andrews after feeling soreness in his surgically repaired right elbow last time out, and the Braves -- who may or may not already know the results of his latest MRI -- already seem to be preparing for life without him, acquiring 37-year-old right-hander Freddy Garcia in a deal with the Orioles Friday.

But because we'll know for sure on Monday, after Beachy meets with Dr. Andrews, I don't see the harm in holding out on any roster moves until then. Particularly if you stashed Beachy throughout his recovery from Tommy John surgery in April, May, June and July, you might as well see your investment through to the end. You showed such patience with him in the first place because you knew his potential was greater than whatever you could find on the waiver wire, and you were most likely pleased -- not thrilled, but satisfied -- with the returns so far.

I'm a realist. I get that the chances of Beachy missing the rest of the season  -- whether because of inflammation or (gulp) another tear -- are probably better than 50 percent, but unless a trendy sleeper like Alex Wood or Sonny Gray was calling to me on waivers, I'd hold out until the bitter end. That Rick Porcello claim can wait until Monday.