Atlanta Braves news and notes from Saturday
Braves’ utility player David Fletcher was demoted to double-A from triple-A today. Fletcher is owed real money this year and next year but was being used frequently to eat pitching innings at Gwinnett. He reportedly does not have the greatest attitude and is currently being investigated in relation to his alleged involvement with the same illegal bookie that Shohei Ohtani’s translator was involved with. Fletcher was part of one of the many cash/bad contract shuffling trades that Alex Anthopoulos made this offseason, but the team really does not seem to view him as being a piece on the major league roster, even as depth. The most realistic outcome the front office might be hoping for at this point is a suspension related to the gambling investigation that gives them relief from his salary.
Braves News
One of Atlanta’s top prospects and 2023 first rounder Hurston Waldrep was promoted to Gwinnett, after really turning a corner in double-A after a slow start.
Chris Sale had his first truly bad start of the season, resulting in an 11-9 loss in a game that the Braves’ bats finally looked lively.
David Fletcher was sent down to double-A, despite being guaranteed significant money, after having been used frequently as a innings-eating pitcher at the triple-A level.
MLB News
Former Braves prospect Freddy Tarnok was claimed by the Phillies off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, after having been traded by Atlanta to the A’s.
Braves’ legend Julio Teheran (still only 33) opted out of his minor league deal with the Cubs, hoping to find a better opportunity.
Former Brave Vaughn Grissom hit the IL again in what has been a stop-start first season for him in Boston.
Ranger Suarez left his start early with a left hand contusion, but his x-rays were fortunately negative.
The Padres suffered a huge blow to their rotation, as they sent Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove to the 15-day IL, Darvish with a groin strain and Musgrove with elbow inflammation.