The Atlanta Braves have struggled through an eventful week including multiple roster moves, bizarre injuries, and rainouts. They now head to New York for a surprisingly important series with the Mets who are just 1.5 games behind Atlanta for the top Wild Card spot.
There's a few noteworthy things to cover before that series begins. Let's check that out below.
Austin Riley returns from paternity list for Braves
Braves third baseman Austin Riley exited early from Atlanta's game against the Reds when his wife went into labor. The couple welcomed their second son William "Beau" Riley into the world at 12:34 a.m. on Tuesday.
After this, Atlanta recalled infielder Luke Williams to fill in for RIley on the roster. Williams remains on the roster after the Braves reinstated Austin from the paternity list. However, Zack Short was designated for assignment after Atlanta's third baseman was added back to the roster.
The #Braves today reinstated INF Austin Riley from the paternity list and designated INF Zack Short for assignment. Additionally, the club recalled RHP Daysbel Hernández to Atlanta.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 25, 2024
Riley is batting second in the lineup tonight as the Braves search for a suitable option with Ozzie Albies out for the next two months. Atlanta also recalled RHP Daysbel Hernandez to give the team another righty option out of the bullpen.
Waldrep, Herget make their first rehab appearances for FCL Braves
Hurston Waldrep is working on returning from an elbow injury that sidelined him for a couple of weeks. He made his first appearance for the FCL Braves and completed two innings. He allowed two hits on one run including two walks and two strikeouts.
Waldrep had a rough introduction to the big leagues as he accrued a 16.71 ERA over seven innings (two starts). Both starts came against the Nationals and Rays respectively and he allowed six or more runs in both games. The talent is there for Hurston, he just needs to refine a few things.
In his first action since landing on the IL in early June with elbow inflammation, #Braves prospect Hurston Waldrep tossed 2 innings in the FCL on Tuesday to begin his rehab assignment. He allowed 2 hits, 1 run, walked 2, and struck out 2 as well.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) July 24, 2024
Additionally, reliever Jimmy Herget made his first rehab appearance for the FCL Braves as well. Herget pitched one scoreless inning with no walks and a strikeout in his outing. Herget only pitched a handful of innings with Atlanta before he landed on the IL. Waldrep will likely end up with Triple-A Gwinnett when he's able to return and Herget is a little more uncertain. He could easily slot back into the Braves bullpen or in Triple-A Gwinnett.
Nacho Alvarez Jr. earns his first MLB milestone with Atlanta Braves
Fans have been clamoring for Nacho Alvarez Jr. to make his MLB debut and they got their wish. It's a shame that an injury to Ozzie Albies is what led to this opportunity, however. Alvarez exploded onto the scene in 2024 as he was good with Double-A Mississippi but lacked power. That all changed when he reached the Triple-A level and started hitting home runs like his life depended on it.
He was consistent and even flashed the leather, showing off his impressive range. His batting average through 28 games with the Stripers was .336 including six doubles, seven home runs, 24 RBI, 17 walks, and 20 strikeouts. Atlanta hoped he'd provide a spark for their lethargic offense. His first game was an 0-4 effort but he put the ball in play and didn't look overmatched which is the most important thing.
First big league hit for Nacho Alvarez Jr.‼️ pic.twitter.com/98hZZ4y3TB
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) July 24, 2024
However, in his second appearance with the Braves, Alvarez notched his first career hit in the bottom of the first. Nacho lined a single up the middle to give Atlanta runners on the corners. The team scored their first run of the game thanks to Alvarez advancing Jarred Kelenic to third base.
It's still very young in Nacho's MLB career but it's easy to see why the Braves like him as a prospect. He's got the right tools to be successful at this level and his future looks extremely bright. Nacho gets his first taste of NL East baseball as the team begins their series with the Mets at Citi Field on Thursday night.