Atlanta Braves news and notes from Friday.
The Atlanta Braves announced several roster moves ahead of Friday night’s contest in Pittsburgh. The most anticipated was the recall of Ray Kerr, who was appointed to start the series opener. Then, the club placed AJ Smith-Shawver, who made his season debut Thursday, on the 15-day injured list. Smith-Shawver was diagnosed with a Grade 2 oblique strain. Finally, the club announced that it signed infielder Joey Wendle to a major league contract, and in return, optioned infielder Luke Williams to Triple-A Gwinnett.
The #Braves today recalled LHP Ray Kerr to Atlanta to start tonight’s game vs. Pittsburgh, and placed RHP AJ Smith-Shawver on the 15-day injured list with a strained left oblique muscle. Additionally, the club signed INF Joey Wendle to a major league contract and optioned INF…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 24, 2024
34-year-old Wendle began the season with the New York Mets, where he appeared in 18 games. He recorded eight hits and one RBI before the Mets designated him for assignment. Defensively, he does provide some versatility as he could play nearly anywhere in the infield.
To cap off the night, the Braves optioned right-hander Darius Vines following Friday’s game. He tossed three innings of relief ahead of the move and was tagged with six earned runs.
Vines has been optioned. The Braves will bring up a fresh arm tomorrow
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 25, 2024
More Braves News:
Ray Kerr turned in a disastrous start as the Braves dropped the series opener to the Pittsburgh Pirates, 11-5.
Sean Murphy continues his rehab assignment, and he once again homered in his second game with the Gwinnett Stripers. More in the minor league recap.
Orlando Arcia hasn’t had an incredible start offensively, but his defense thus far has him on pace for a season full of career-bests.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum unveiled a statue of Henry Aaron, and his wife, Billye, had plenty to say on her journey with Hank.
Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution discusses the latest adjustments from Aaron Bummer and Jarred Kelenic.
Braves Podcasts:
MLB News:
The San Francisco Giants signed left-hander Drew Pomeranz to a one-year major league deal. The 35-year-old has not appeared in the majors since 2021.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred says that robo-umps are unlikely for 2025. He stated that it may be implemented in 2026 at the earliest.
The Baltimore Orioles placed right-hander Dean Kremer on the 15-day injured list with a right triceps strain. The move is retroactive to May 21.
After the Baltimore Orioles placed him on the injured list on Thursday, left-hander John Means is headed for a second opinion. He was originally placed on the injured list with a left forearm strain.