Atlanta Braves add Charlie Culberson to MLB roster
A day after sending down Braden Shewmake, a familiar face has returned to the Braves' MLB roster. Charlie Culberson is back with the Braves in time for the start of the series at home against the Seattle Mariners.
The #Braves today selected the contract of INF Charlie Culberson to Atlanta, returned INF Ehire Adrianza from his rehabilitation assignment and transferred him to the 60-day injured list with a left shoulder strain.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 19, 2023
Culberson signed with the Braves after spending Spring Training with the Tampa Bay Rays. the utility player got 27 PAs with the Rays this spring, but did not hit well, slashing .167/.286/.167. He was released at the end of Spring and quickly caught on with the Braves.
He's spent this regular season with the Gwinnett Striders, getting 101 PAs and playing 1B, 3B, RF, and even pitching an inning. His PAs have not ended well for the most part, as he's only slashed .204/.228/.258.
Considering his performance in the minors might seem unsual at first. However, since Braden Shewmake started the day he was called up and replaced Vaughn Grissom defensively the next day, Shewmake hadn't played a single inning.
After sending him down on Thursday, many assumed that Ehire Adrianza would return from the IL and replace Shewmake's spot on the roster. However, with Culberson's addition, it appears that's not the case.
Adrianza initially went on the IL with right elbow inflammation but was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Culberson with left shoulder strain. The utility player had been with Rome on a rehab assignment and slashed .357/.412/.429 in four games.
Considering how Snitker has managed the bench, especially with the backup infield position, it's unlikely Culberson will see much (if any) action on the field. Last year, INF Ryan Goins was on the Braves' major league roster for six days last season and didn't appear in a game.
Culberson previously played with Atlanta from 2018-2020. His first season with the club was actually very successful, as he had a 113 wRC+ in 323 PAs in 2018. This included two walk-off homers within a week.
Of course, there's always a chance the fan favorite finds himself on the mound. In 7.1 innings in the big leagues, the 34-year-old has a 1.23 ERA and Brian Snitker even trusted him with the bases loaded against Trea Turner.