It’s been a frustrating season for the Atlanta Braves thus far, but the tides are starting to turn in their favor. They’ve won five of their last six games to reclaim sole possession of the first Wild Card spot in the National League. They avoided the worst-case scenario with Reynaldo Lopez’s injury scare, and other injured players like Max Fried and Michael Harris II are expected to return soon.
Will the Braves be favorites to win the NL Pennant? No. Do they need to be to achieve that goal? Nope. We’ve seen them do it before, and with how good their pitching staff is, it wouldn’t be the biggest shock to see them do it again.
As they continue to get healthier and gear up for what they hope will be a lengthy postseason run, the Braves roster will have a different look come September 1 with these three players not being on it.
1. Dylan Lee Won’t Be on the Roster by September 1 Because He Can Be Optioned
Max Fried, another injured Brave, is hoping to return to action to start Sunday’s series finale against the Marlins. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen, but he’ll be back soon. When he does return, someone else has to make way, creating a tricky situation.
The Braves could either place Reynaldo Lopez on the IL if he’s not going to pitch soon, designate a pitcher like Grant Holmes for assignment, or send Dylan Lee down to the minors.
It’s unfair because Lee does not deserve to be sent down with how well he has pitched, but the Braves would essentially be deciding between having another team claim Holmes off waivers or keeping both Holmes and Lee in the organization by sending Lee down to the minors.
We saw the Braves send Lee down in early July, so it wouldn’t be a major shock to see them do it again. He’ll be back, but while he’s optionable, the Braves would be wise to keep a solid arm like Holmes when they can simply send Lee down without losing anyone.
2. Ramon Laureano Will Lose His Roster Spot When Michael Harris Returns from the IL
The Braves have been tinkering with their outfield for much of the season, trying to find the right combinations mainly due to injuries. Ronald Acuña Jr. was ruled out for the season in late May, and Michael Harris II has been out since mid-June with an injury.
Losing one of them is one thing, but losing both at the same time is tough to overcome. Thankfully, Harris is expected to return around August 14 when he is eligible to be activated off the 60-day IL.
Harris’ return means someone will lose his spot. This decision comes down to either sending down the only backup infielder on Atlanta’s bench, Luke Williams, or designating outfielder Ramon Laureano for assignment, who’d see little to no field time when Harris returns. Laureano is undoubtedly better than Williams, but he doesn’t fit the team as well when Harris is back.
Assuming Harris resumes his everyday role, Atlanta will likely platoon Jarred Kelenic with Adam Duvall in left field and have Jorge Soler play regularly in right. Eddie Rosario will remain a left-handed bat off the bench, making Laureano’s spot expendable despite his solid play for Atlanta.
3. Luke Jackson Won’t Be on the Roster by September 1 Unless He Pitches Better
In the Soler deal, the Braves also curiously acquired Luke Jackson. Although Jackson was part of the 2021 World Series-winning team, he has struggled this season, posting a 5.35 ERA in 37 appearances and 35.1 innings of work for the Giants and Braves.
He made his first appearance since being re-acquired on Thursday and recorded a hold, but not before allowing a run-scoring single on the second pitch he threw. Jackson managed to get the next batter out to maintain Atlanta’s lead, but it wasn’t the best first impression.
The Braves have better options. Daysbel Hernandez, for instance, has allowed just one earned run in 11 innings of work at the MLB level this season and is more deserving of an opportunity over Jackson, who has struggled for much of this season.
If Jackson suddenly pitches well in a Braves uniform, he can stay. We’ve seen several pitchers, notably Jesse Chavez, improve dramatically with the Braves. Until that happens, it’s tough to predict Jackson will remain on the roster for long.
Leave a Reply