Both the 2024 MLB Draft and All-Star break have came to a close. And in less than two weeks, the trade deadline will be behind Atlanta as well. This means we are entering one of the most important stretches of the year for every MLB organization.
For the Braves, they still hold hopes of making a run in the postseason. guaranteeing a first round bye will require them to chase down the NL East leading Phillies, who enter the second half with a 8.5 game lead.
One springboard in playing good baseball over these last 67 games is Atlanta gradually getting healthier. They got off to a good start this morning by activating an outfielder who should see a lot of action over these next couple weeks.
Braves activate Ramón Laureano off the IL
Veteran outfielder Ramon Laureano was activated by Atlanta this morning, after being sidelined since June 26 with a left oblique strain. Laureano was the expected move once the Braves outrighted utility man, Brian Anderson back to Gwinnett.
On the season, Laureano has provided solid play since coming to Atlanta. With the obvious small sample size caveat, Laureano ranks above average in average exit velocity, chase%, and hard-hit percentage.
426 FEET 👀
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 19, 2024
Ramón Laureano's first home run in a @Braves uni is a tank. pic.twitter.com/p3xwOqmfXs
With Michael Harris II still on the mend, Kelenic figures to be the only outfielder expected to play everyday. That means you should expect Kelenic to be flanked by two of the Duvall/Rosario/Laureano trio on a nightly basis.
It's still not the most inspiring outfield, but given we less than two weeks until the trade deadline, don't expect this be the configuration for long. It's likely the Braves front office will see what they have in that aforementioned trio over this next week of baseball while the trade rumors swirl.
Then I would expect to add an outfielder of some kind into the fold. As for tonight, we will have to see if Laureano is inserted back into the lineup as the Braves kick off the second half with a three-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals.