Atlanta Braves sign Adeiny Hechavarria recall Bryse Wilson

Roster shuffles

Josh Tomlin’s yeoman-like effort in relief last night left the Bullpen without a long-man. The Braves filled that void by recalling Bryse Wilson from Gwinnett. To make room on the 25-man rosters, Adam Duvall returned to Gwinnett.

I said earlier this year that Duvall had no options remaining; clearly I made a mistake. I apologize for that error.

Optioning Duvall shows they believe he needs to fix his bat. The stated reason – Ortega’s lack of options – is accurate, but makes little sense. While he could refuse assignment and become a free agent, or be claimed off waivers, both options aren’t high on the probability scale.

Matt Joyce starts again tonight and likely plays more than he expected for a while, after  Duvall’s departure. Ortega’s a LHH as well but lacks the pop Joyce offers. However, Ortega may get some time as a defensive replacement.

ALSO OF NOTE:  The 40-man roster needed trimming as well, and Wes Parsons drew the short straw.

That’s a wrap

The Atlanta Braves groundball-heavy pitchers can breathe easier with Hechavarria in the lineup.  The Braves stated hope is that Camargo gets his groove back and Duvall remembers what he forgot.

While the Wilson recall fits nicely with my post earlier today, it’s a temporary thing. The bench is now 3 deep:  Tyler Flowers, Rafael Ortega, and Charlie Culberson. That gives manager Brian Snitker little room to maneuver late in the game.

The bench probably stays short until Tomlin’s recovered enough to pitch again. That’s probably five days since his innings last night equaled a short start. Although he appears a rubber-armed pitcher, at 34-years-old even rubber needs a rest.

The defense is tighter, now all we need is stellar work from the bullpen.