After settling for a series split against the Phillies on the road over the weekend, the hope was that the Atlanta Braves would have some momentum heading into this series against the AL East-leading Rays. Unfortunately, Atlanta has instead been embarrassed in two-straight games in pretty much every way. If the Braves want to hold on to this lead of theirs in the NL East, they are going to have to play a LOT better than they have lately, especially on offense.
As the season winds down, the cadence of roster moves and "newsworthy" events inevitably slows before we get to the postseason. However, there are a few key developments with the Braves recently that mayhave fallen through the cracks if you weren't really paying attention.
Braves apparently signed Eric Haase as a catching back-up plan just in time to be playoff-eligible
With both Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy getting regular playing time at the moment, the Braves are playing a somewhat risky game at catcher. Sure, they added Kyle Farmer when rosters expanded who can catch in a pinch, but not having a true catcher in reserve that is playoff eligible when your primary two options are playing almost every day could be a disaster.
As it turns out, the Braves may have had a plan in place all along. According to some eagle-eyed monitors of the transaction log, the Braves signed Eric Haase on a deal that was apparently signed on September 1. While his exact roster status is unclear at the moment, Haase may actually be postseason eligible if that date is accurate. Even if he isn't, having a veteran catcher that can help out down the stretch certainly can't hurt.
Robert Suarez is progressing towards a rehab assignment...and it may be a short one
The uncertainty around Robert Suarez's return to the Braves bullpen has loomed large with the heavy usage of the Braves' other high leverage relievers and the struggles of their rotation to pitch deep into games. Thankfully, there is good news on that front. After what appears to be some successful bullpens, Suarez is set to throw live BP next week and could head out on rehab assignment after that.
With the Braves not disclosing how long a rehab assignment they think Suarez needs and the minor league season coming to an end, fans may not have to wait long to see Suarez back on the mound in the majors.
Robert Suarez will throw a live BP early next week. The Braves haven’t said how many rehab appearances he might make. There’s still hope he’ll pitch before the end of the regular season.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 9, 2026
Braves may be entertaining alterations to six-man rotation plans, but they would come with headaches
At the moment, the Braves still have AJ Smith-Shawver in their rotation. With the additional rotation arm, the Braves can give Chris Sale (and others) the extra rest that has been a point of emphasis this season. Unfortunately, Smith-Shawver has continued to struggle since returning from the injured list, which raises some questions as to the feasibility of this plan the rest of the season.
One idea Braves insider Mark Bowman recently floated was that the Braves could call up JR Ritchie to take Smith-Shawver's place after his insane showing down at Gwinnett. However, if the Braves were to do so, they would have to keep Ritchie in the big leagues, as he has already been optioned five times this season.
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