The Atlanta Braves enter the final month of the regular season with a two game lead over the rival New York Mets for the final NL Wild Card spot. With the calendar flipping to September every MLB team sees their roster expand to 28 spots allowing each time to call-up one pitcher and position player for the stretch run.
The Braves announced which two players they are calling up this morning. The first is an outfielder fans are familiar with, Eli White. The second is a pitcher who hasn't thrown an inning with the organization, John Brebbia.
The #Braves today selected the contract of RHP John Brebbia and recalled OF Eli White to Atlanta. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta designated LHP Zach Logue for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 1, 2024
Braves' use September call-ups on Eli White and John Brebbia
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Braves DFA'd left-handed reliever Zach Logue. Eli White could serve as a potential late-inning defensive replacement as well as a pinch-runner in crucial situations.
Brebbia getting the call could come as a bit of a surprise as many thought Atlanta would bring Daysbel Hernandez back up to the big league roster once rosters expanded.
However, when you consider the postseason roster rules (a player must be on the 40-man roster by August 31st in order to eligible for the postseason roster) this move makes a bit more sense. This is why the Braves were still making minor trades as recent as yesterday, with the thought of preparing the best possible postseason roster.
Brebbia was released by the White Sox just a few days ago. His season numbers in Chicago weren't encouraging as he posted a 6.29 ERA and 4.43 FIP in 48.2 innings. The fact is everyone out in White Sox camp has struggled, and Brebbia posted great numbers for the Giants from 2021-2023 owning a 3.83 ERA across 134 apperances for San Francisco.
No matter who got the call, an added arm is huge for the Braves right now. The bullpen has been taxed over the last few weeks, so getting guys like Jimenez, Johnson, and Iglesias a breather is a welcome development.