With the All-Star break just around the corner, the Atlanta Braves are making every roster decision count as they look to maintain their momentum in the National League East. Like every MLB club, Atlanta has just one series left before the midseason break, opening a matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals while continuing to shuffle its roster. The Braves have been among the busiest teams in baseball this season when it comes to transactions, and their latest moves included parting ways with a player who has spent parts of five seasons in the major leagues.
Before the series against St. Louis, the Braves announced that outfielder Eli White had been reinstated from the paternity list. To make room on the active roster, the club designated outfielder José Azócar for assignment.
“The #Braves today reinstated OF Eli White from the paternity list and designated OF José Azócar for assignment,” the Braves posted on X on July 9.
Azócar appeared in just one game after being recalled by Atlanta before being designated for assignment. He now enters the DFA process, where several outcomes remain possible. The most likely scenario is that he clears waivers and accepts an outright assignment to the minor leagues. The veteran outfielder has appeared in parts of five MLB seasons during his professional career.
Atlanta followed that move with another roster adjustment on July 10 ahead of its series opener against the Cardinals.
“The #Braves today reinstated RHP Tyler Kinley from the paternity list and optioned RHP Hurston Waldrep to Triple-A Gwinnett,” the team announced.
The Braves have made a steady stream of pitching-related roster moves in recent weeks, reflecting the club’s ongoing effort to stabilize a staff that has leaned heavily on young arms. With frequent promotions, demotions and bullpen changes becoming almost routine, Atlanta continues searching for consistency on the mound.
Despite the constant roster shuffling, the Braves remain in a strong position entering the All-Star break. At 54-38, Atlanta still owns a three-game lead atop the NL East and remains firmly in control of the division race.