The Atlanta Braves announced a few notable roster changes ahead of game three of their series with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Some moves made a lot of sense and were expected but one detail in particular left fans scratching their heads.
Atlanta Braves announce flurry of roster moves including puzzling yet predictable IL decision
The #Braves today optioned RHP AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett, placed OF Ramón Laureano on the 10-day injured list, backdated to July 9, with a left oblique muscle strain, recalled LHP Dylan Lee to Atlanta and returned OF Brian Anderson from his rehabilitation assignment…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 10, 2024
AJ Smith-Shawver was added to the roster on Tuesday and was available out of the bullpen after returning from his rehab stint. However, this was a temporary move and the Braves top pitching prospect now finds himself on a scenic flight back to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Dylan Lee was recalled back to Atlanta after being optioned a couple of days ago so Bryce Elder could make a spot start on Monday. It was a surprising move since Lee has been one of Atlanta's best relievers all season long. However, he was the only pitcher with options available so he was chosen.
Fortunately, he finds himself back in the Atlanta bullpen where he belongs. The Braves also returned Brian Anderson from his rehab assignment after he was placed on the IL due to a bacterial infection. He replaces outfielder Ramon Laureano who has been added to the 10-day IL with a left oblique muscle strain.
The Laureano news isn't too surprising but puzzling because he has been on the roster but has not played in games since late June. Until now, fans have been told it was a "sore back" but the Braves decided to do this weird thing they've done all season, hesitating to place players on the IL.
Atlanta used a similar tactic when Austin Riley was dealing with an intercostal strain. He wasn't playing games and the team refused to put him on the injured list. It would have made more sense to just place Laureano on the IL after the team realized he wasn't going to be out for just a couple of days.
It's a waste of a roster spot and poor decision-making by the organization. The hesitation to commit to an IL stint for players seems to be the strategy this season. Luckily, the team managed and it didn't affect them.
The last move announced was outfielder JP Martinez being outrighted to the Gwinnett Stripers just days after being designated for assignment to make room for Eddie Rosario.
Atlanta goes for the series win and a five-game winning streak Wednesday evening as veteran Charlie Morton takes the mound in Phoenix searching for his sixth win.