Atlanta Braves news and notes from Saturday
The Braves have a rotation that is in tatters due to injury, they are 10 games below .500 (despite a slightly positive run differential), 8.5 games out of the wild-card, and are currently tied for the fourth best odds in the 2026 draft lottery. Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris have been abject disasters at the plate, Marcell Ozuna started fantastically but has plummeted to awful for the last 6 weeks, Austin Riley is producing at a marginally above average rate at the plate, and Nick Allen is just not a good hitter, despite his brilliant defense. Things are dire for the 2025 Braves and despite Anthopoulos’ reluctance, they may be sellers at the deadline. While they don’t have a ton of prime assets, they will almost certainly listen to offers on Ozuna, though they may struggle to find some as he has been bad for almost two months. They may get some worthwhile offers for some of their relievers, especially Pierce Johnson, but Raisel Iglesias, Rafael Montero, and even Aaron Bummer could be options to trade. Under the much less likely umbrella, Ozzie Albies is under his last year of guaranteed money and they could look to move on from one of their two star catchers, due to playing time scarcity.
Even if the team is unlikely to make the playoffs, there are still some worthwhile rooting interests, such as Drake Baldwin to win NL ROY, as that would earn the Braves an additional first rounder in the 2026 draft. If the Braves are going to be awful this year and Baldwin can earn them an additional pick, they could have one of the largest bonus pools in the league.
Braves News
We took a look at Nick Allen’s defense so far this season, as it has legitimately been at an elite level.
Well the Braves predictably lost the bullpen game they resorted to with their rotation in shambles, as the realistic alternative is unclear. The offense showed up, which has been rare, but the run prevention was insufficient.
Alex Verdugo cleared waivers and has been released by the Braves. The end to that disaster has finally come.
MLB News
Matt Chapman returned from injury for the Giants and recalled former Braves prospect Tristan Beck.
The Yankees are calling up top pitching prospect Cam Schlittler, as they have also suffered a number of injuries in their rotation.
Yankees’ starter Clarke Schmidt tore his UCL and his season is over as he will likely receive Tommy John.
The Diamondbacks activated star outfielder Corbin Carrol off the 10-day IL, as he returns from a chip fracture to his wrist.