2025 has proven to be a tough season for the Atlanta Braves. Ronald Acuna Jr. has provided a spark for the offense, but they still haven't been able to find their footing. Atlanta is 25-27 and currently sits third in the division, eight and a half games away from the Phillies.
It has been a grind and that's not going to stop anytime soon. Atlanta travels to Philadelphia for the first time this season to play the first-place Phillies. It won't be easy but they need to make a statement with a big series win.
Before we reach that important matchup in Philly, there are some news items we need to address from the last couple of days, and you can see those updates below.
Braves News: Atlanta released former All-Star Orlando Arcia
Arcia's time in Atlanta has officially come to a close after he was designated for assignment a few days ago. The Braves granted Arcia his release on Sunday, and it was a long time coming. The former All-Star has struggled to regain the magic he found in 2023. He played so poorly to start the season that Nick Allen became the everyday shortstop.
The #Braves released Orlando Arcia.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) May 25, 2025
Once Arica hit the bench, it was only a matter of time before he was let go. He isn't very fast on the bases, doesn't hit very well, and his fielding took a dive this season as well. Fans will remember Arcia was acquired from the Brewers in 2021 for Patrick Weigel and Chad Sobotka. He eventually replaced Dansby Swanson, who exited in free agency after the 2022 season.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Arcia is still owed $2.37 million of his 2025 salary ($1.37 million for his salary plus a $1 million buyout from his contract). He helped provide some good memories to fans but the end wasn't as sweet as everyone would have hoped. Regardless, Arcia took to Instagram to thank Braves fans for his time and let fans know how much he enjoyed his time in Atlanta.
Braves News: Ozzie Albies is starting to heat up at the right time
Albies had a rough start to the season but he's starting to heat up and is on an 11-game hitting streak. His average improved from .207 to .239 during that streak. He has a .366 average with four doubles and an .898 OPS. Atlanta's second baseman had just four doubles over the first 40 games played.
His OPS still needs work as it's increased to just .650 since his streak started. However, he's heading in the right direction and that is what matters most. Albies' streak also helped him reach the most hits by a second baseman in franchise history. He passed Glenn Hubbard and now has 990 career hits.
Hopefully, this trend continues and Albies is able to help get the team going in the right direction. They cannot afford to hover around .500 for too much longer.
Braves News: Atlanta signs pitcher Jose Cuas to minor league deal
The Braves have added more minor-league pitching depth as they signed pitcher Jose Cuas and assigned him to Double-A Columbus. Cuas has spent some time in MLB with the Royals, Cubs, and Blue Jays.
He joined the Phillies organization this season in Triple-A but was released on May 1st. He is a right-handed pitcher and has a 4.37 career ERA in the majors over 119.2 innings. He was released by the Phillies due to a decrease in strikeouts and an uptick in walks issued.
2 strikeouts for José Cuas 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CT3ZIiKECA
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 27, 2024
It feels like another shot at a reclamation project for the Braves. He features four pitches: a sinker, a four-seam fastball, a sweeper, and a changeup.