The Atlanta Braves are in the throes of the MLB Draft, but that doesn't stop the grind of the season. While fans were awaiting Atlanta's first pick in the 2026 draft, the team dropped surprise roster moves on everyone.
The injury bug has struck them again, this time with outfielder Mike Yastrzemski going down with left-elbow inflammation. He was placed on the 10-day injured list as a result. Outfielder Brewer Hicklen was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett as a replacement for Yaz.
The Braves also recalled RHP Owen Murphy back to Atlanta, while optioning James Karinchak to Gwinnett. Lastly, the team announced Jose Azocar was outrighted to Triple-A, and AJ Smith-Shawver had his rehab assignment transferred to Gwinnett.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Owen Murphy to Atlanta and placed OF Mike Yastrzemski on the 10-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. Atlanta also recalled OF Brewer Hicklen and optioned RHP James Karinchak to Triple-A Gwinnett. Additionally, the club outrighted OF José…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 11, 2026
Braves make multiple roster swaps in the wake of surprise Mike Yastrzemski injury
That was a flurry of moves at probably one of the worst times. The front office is normally busy, but doing that on draft day has to be rough. It stinks for Yaz because he was starting to hit the ball a lot better over the last week. In his last seven games, the lefty slugger has a .350/.458/.750 slash line with two homers, eight RBI, four walks, and three strikeouts. Not the time for an injury, but the All-Star break is the right time to deal with an injury. That is the silver lining here for Yaz.
Owen Murphy gets another shot with the big league club after a tough start to his MLB career last time out. Coming in during a tie game against a division rival isn't ideal, but the youngster did his best. There were glimmers of the talent he has, and that should only get better with time.
Hicklen has hit really well this year at Triple-A Gwinnett, with a .300 average over 287 at-bats. He has 16 homers, 55 RBI, 28 walks, 77 strikeouts, and an .882 OPS. Whether this will transfer over to the big leagues is unknown, especially with the high amount of strikeouts. However, he's earned a chance to prove everyone wrong.
The Braves are in a tough spot right now and have a lot of questions to answer at the trade deadline this year. Hopefully, things go a lot more smoothly in the second half for them.
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