It has been a busy day of news around Major League Baseball and the Braves were included in that. The trade deadline is under 24 hours away and Atlanta hasn't gotten in on the fun but they did announce some important injury updates including an update on Reynaldo Lopez.
Let's check out a couple pieces of Braves news.
Braves miss out on outfield trade target from DC
The Braves have been linked to a few outfielders ahead of the trade deadline but nothing has come to fruition. It's tough with Atlanta because Alex Anthopoulos runs a tight ship and things don't leak unless he wants it to. So, we have to always take any announcements of the team being linked to a player with a grain of salt.
An option that was considered a great fit, has unfortunately been taken off the table. Former Washington Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas was considered a fit for the Braves by MLB insider Jeff Passan. However, Thomas was picked up by the Cleveland Guardians Monday evening instead.
Thomas was sent to the Guardians in exchange for three players. Washington received INF Jose Tena, LHP Alex Clemmey, and INF Rafael Ramirez Jr.
We have acquired OF Lane Thomas from the Nationals in a trade.
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 29, 2024
Welcome to Cleveland, Lane!#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/nGfkYWw0Ea
Thomas would have been a welcome addition for the Braves as he provides great offense against left-handed pitchers and speed on the bases. Unfortunately, it didn't work out and Atlanta will now have to pivot to different options. It will be interesting to see what the team decides to do.
Hurston Waldrep reinstated from the 15-day IL
Atlanta's top pitching prospect has finally returned from the injured list after struggling through his first two MLB starts. Hurston Waldrep was rocked through seven innings of work as he allowed 13 earned runs, eight walks, and three strikeouts.
He was slated to return to Triple-A after the second start but he told the Braves he felt soreness in his arm after pitching and Atlanta placed him on the IL as a precaution. Waldrep featured in rehab appearances with the FCL Braves and Augusta GreenJackets. Between both levels, he tossed four innings with seven hits, five runs, four walks, and six strikeouts.
#Braves today returned RH Hurston Waldrep (elbow inflammation) from his rehab assignment, reinstated him from the IL and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 29, 2024
The important thing is keeping Hurston healthy as he looks to improve his pitching. His biggest focus will be honing in his command as that is his weakness. That improvement will come with experience and time. Waldrep was reinstated and optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. There's a chance he could make another spot start if needed. But the team will likely ease him back into pitching in the minors for a little while before considering that.
That's all for now as we prepare for the team to make noise at the trade deadline which is set for 6:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, July 30. It should be an exciting and busy day for baseball fans.