Atlanta Braves sign Adeiny Hechavarria recall Bryse Wilson
By Fred Owens
This afternoon the Atlanta Braves moved to plug the gaping wound at shortstop, signing former Met Adeiny Hechavarria.
Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos moved to sign eight-year veteran Adeiny Hechavarria as soon as he cleared waivers, making him available for postseason play. After completing the signing, the Braves optioned John Camargo to Gwinnett.
After an apparent breakout season in 2018, Camargo’s bat and sterling glove-work vanished this season. Playing sporadically in a super-utility role, Camargo finished the first half with a sagging .235/.269/.366/.635 line, a .267 wOBA and 59 wRC+.
Dansby Swanson’s injury presented Camargo with the opportunity to play every day. Most believed would bring his bat to life; instead, his play deteriorated.
The gold-glove caliber defense he offered at third last season never appeared and plays he made with ease a year ago eluded him. When he mishandled a game-ending double-play ball in the finale of the Mets’ series, everyone sensed he’d hit bottom.
Camargo showed occasional signs of life at the plate but looked lost and indifferent in most plate appearances and frequently failed to run out ground balls. As a result, his second-half line ends at .191/.267/.294/.561 line, a .242 wOBA and 43 wRC+, an almost inconceivable collapse in a ten-month span.
The Braves tolerated it as long as they could, playing him in the hope of finding a spark. Today their patience ended. Camargo goes to Gwinnett with 18 games left in the season to turn his year around, though his 40-man slot seems safe right now.
Hechavarria starts tonight and bats seventh.