The Atlanta Braves are enjoying a great start to the second half and hope that things continue to trend in the right direction. They have a commanding lead in the NL East, but after the trade deadline, that could change quickly.
Walt Weiss will be sure to remind everyone that they need to keep their foot on the gas. They cannot give the Phillies any breathing room. The team is going to look a little different after a busy trade deadline. Let's take a look at a few important updates below.
Jorge Mateo designated for assignment to make room for Ha-Seong Kim
After a busy, yet underwhelming trade deadline, Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos met with the press to discuss a few things. One of them was that Jorge Mateo was designated for assignment. Kim will be reinstated from his rehab assignment, despite an atrocious showing at the plate. Atlanta had no intention of moving him at the trade deadline.
Mateo wasn't doing a lot at the plate, but he was an incredible depth option. He was one of the speediest runners and played exceptional defense. The team is now without two of its fastest baserunners after Eli White was traded to the Red Sox.
AA stated that Jim Jarvis will remain the starting shortstop so they can utilize Dubon wherever he is needed. This means Kim is now a $20 million bench option. That's a tough pill to swallow.
Braves catcher Sean Murphy finally returns from the injured list
Atlanta's trade of Joey Bart earlier on Monday was a pretty good indicator that Murphy would be activated. It'll be good to have him back, but fans would be right to be wary of his return. He hasn't been the best at the plate the last couple of years. If he should be injured again, the Braves will be in a similar spot to the one that they were in after they let Jonah Heim go. Braves fans will have to hope he can maintain his health and be an impact at the plate.
AJ Smith-Shawver to remain in the minors for a bit longer
Right-hander Smith-Shawver had his first start for the Braves in over a year last week, and he looked decent. He was optioned shortly after the start, and it seems Atlanta plans to keep him at Triple-A Gwinnett for two more starts. This will allow him time to build back up and eventually rejoin the MLB rotation full-time.
Braves option a couple of arms to make way for trade deadline additions
Atlanta officially announced their flurry of roster changes that we mentioned above. However, they also announced that pitchers JR Ritchie and James Karinchak were optioned to Triple-A to make room for the new additions.
Tyler Mahle, Brent Suter, and Lane Thomas were all reported to Atlanta's roster. Mahle will likely make his first Braves start against the Yankees this weekend. Suter and Thomas could make their first appearances in the team's upcoming series against the Marlins.
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