Atlanta Braves feature 9 defenders on midyear SABR Defensive Index
Roster Rumblings
This afternoon the Braves outrighted Jason Hursh off the 40-man roster. I noted in my post on the 26th man that outrighting him to clear a spot could happen at any time. Grant McCauley confirms (Twitter link) that at some point they transferred Darren O’Day to the 60-day DL as well. That leaves 38 names on the roster.
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The Athletic’s David O’Brien (Twitter link) and others report that the Braves decided to return to a five-man rotation. They optioned Kolby Allard back to Gwinnett today as required by the 26th man rules and it appears his two outings convinced them he wasn’t ready for prime time.
That means Newcomb back on the bump Sunday and a TBD in one of the probable pitcher slots next Monday. Speculation in the Twitterverse has Touki Toussaint joining the roster to make the start.
Max Fried’s injury and Luiz Gohara’s persistent shoulder issues seem to make Touki the logical internal choice.
That’s a wrap
The SDI numbers include games through July and some will certainly change. Overall, however, the Atlanta Braves defense looks tight and versatile.
Without jumping into a new post too far, Dansby needs to find his hitting stroke or he’ll find himself on the bench this season and possibly traded in the offseason. Since May 27 he’s hit to a .216/.282/.356/.638 line with five homers, 19 walks, and 50 strikeouts. Someone should hand him the ax-bat he used to start the season. It worked well.
Defensively the Braves are solid, offensively they need a LH bench bat in place of the forgotten man who led the league in hitting before being sat down – Ryan Flaherty.
Next. Nick for MVP!. dark
The waiver wires are hot, perhaps something will happen to fill that spot soon or perhaps another prospect will fill the slots vacated by Hursh and O’Day. Stay tuned at the Take for the latest detail on Atlanta Braves roster moves.