Braves News: Touki Toussaint DFA, Michael Harris Rookie of the Month
Another former top-pitching prospect filters out of the system as the Atlanta Braves designated Touki Toussaint for assignment. Also, Michael Harris wins NL Rookie of the Month.
The Atlanta Braves centered their rebuild by acquiring a bunch of high-profile pitching prospects, which created a tremendous depth of pitching prospects for years.
It’s honestly something that continues today with guys like Kyle Muller, Bryce Elder, Tucker Davidson, Freddy Tarnok, Jared Shuster, and AJ Smith-Shawver.
But going back to 2019, they had Mike Soroka, Ian Anderson, Kyle Wright, Touki Toussaint, Bryse Wilson, Luiz Gohara, Kolby Allard, Joey Wentz, Muller, and Huascar Ynoa all ranked in their top 15.
The goal with acquiring all that pitching talent is hoping that three or four of them turn into legitimate big league pitchers, but odds are there will be some that wont’ make it.
Earlier this year, we saw the Braves finally move on from former top prospect Sean Newcomb.
And now they’ve designated Touki Toussaint for assignment.
The Braves have 10 days to either place him on waivers, trade him, or release him. There is still a chance he clears waivers and accepts a minor league assignment to stay with the Braves.
You hate it for a guy like Touki who seems like a tremendous person and has shown flashes of being successful at the big league level.
Wherever he ends up, we wish the best for Touki going forward.
Taking his spot on the 40-man roster is reliever Jay Jackson who returns from a rehab assignment and then was sent to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Braves News: Michael Harris Wins NL Rookie of the Month
There is no question Michael Harris II has made a huge impact since being called up for the Atlanta Braves.
His contributions were enough for him to be named the NL Rookie of the Month for June.
In June he slashed .347/.371/.574 with 7 doubles, 2 triples, and 4 home runs.
On top of that, he’s heading towards winning a Gold Glove this season as a 21-year-old rookie.
Next. Harris v. Heyward -- First 30 Games. dark
You have to figure the rookie will cool off at some point, but right now he’s one of the more exciting players to watch in all of baseball.