The Atlanta Braves continued to reshape their roster as they navigate the second half of the season, making several moves involving both the major league club and Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta was forced to make an adjustment after a key veteran outfielder landed on the injured list, while the organization also shuffled its pitching staff and outfield depth by promoting two players and removing another from the 40-man roster. The series of transactions reflects the Braves’ effort to maintain roster flexibility as they deal with injuries and evaluate younger talent.
The Braves have placed veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski on the 10-day injured list because of inflammation in his left elbow. At the same time, right-handed reliever James Karinchak was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
To fill the open roster spots, Atlanta recalled right-handed pitcher Owen Murphy and outfielder Brewer Hicklen from Triple-A. The club also outrighted outfielder Jose Azocar off the 40-man roster before assigning him to Gwinnett.
Yastrzemski, 35, has appeared in 85 games during his first season with Atlanta, batting .230 with six home runs and 28 RBIs. Across eight major league seasons with the San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals and Braves, he owns a career .237 batting average along with 129 home runs and 392 RBIs.
Karinchak, 30, had been effective out of Atlanta’s bullpen, posting a 1.86 ERA in nine relief appearances after spending the previous two seasons out of the major leagues.
Murphy, 22, made his MLB debut earlier this week, allowing two runs, including one earned, over one inning. Atlanta selected the right-hander in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft and continues to view him as one of the organization’s promising young pitchers.
Hicklen, 30, is now in line to make his Braves debut. The outfielder has appeared in 10 major league games over the past three seasons with three different organizations, collecting two hits in 12 at-bats.