With MLB rosters set to expand from 26 to 28 in the coming days, there is still some uncertainty as to what the Atlanta Braves might do.
Yes, the Braves will likely dip into the farm system to do this, but who might the club call-up? Will it be top prospects, or players with MLB experience?
Looking at the former of those two options, here are three prospects that the Atlanta Braves should consider calling-up in September to help propel the club to the postseason.
NOTE: Prospect rankings according to MLB Pipeline
AJ Smith-Shawver among prospects the Atlanta Braves should call-up in September
AJ Smith-Shawver, Right-Handed Pitcher
We begin with the Braves No. 2 prospect in Smith-Shawver, whose eventual return to the big leagues feels like it's only a matter of time at this point. Having made one start with Atlanta earlier this season, Smith-Shawver has impressed since his return to Triple-A Gwinnett back in July, owning a combined 3.76 ERA and 35:13 K:BB ratio across 26.1 IP since July 14, with opponents also batting a combined .181 against the right-hander over that span.
Drake Baldwin, Catcher
If the Braves opt-to carry three catchers in September, then there is certainly the possibility that the club could call-up Baldwin, Atlanta's No. 5 prospect, to make his MLB debut. The catcher has been one of the top hitters in the entire system since his promotion to Triple-A Gwinnett back in mid-June, as well as in August where he is slashing .347/.416/.480 across 19 games with two HR and 23 RBI.
Hurston Waldrep, Right-Handed Pitcher
Lastly, Waldrep is another notable pitcher currently in Triple-A who could return to Atlanta to help the Braves playoff push, with the right-hander capable of acting as either a starter or reliever. Since his return to Triple-A Gwinnett earlier this month, Waldrep has posted a 5.29 ERA and an 18:15 K:BB ratio across 17 IP, holding opponents to a combined .226 AVG against.