Atlanta Braves news and notes from Wednesday
We are rapidly approaching – and perhaps have already passed – the point at which the Braves need to be focused on optimizing for 2026 and beyond, rather than 2025. Obviously ticket sales, ratings, and other financial elements have a significant role to play in this decision-making but at least on the field, 2025 is just about toast. The first obvious pressure point for this is selling short term assets at the trade deadline where it makes sense. This may not end up being much, but it is something. The next points are harder conversations, like doing whatever makes the most sense to get Michael Harris back on track to being a productive hitter, and that almost certainly is not just platooning him with some combination of Eli White and Stuart Fairchild. Additionally, saving innings on guys who are in uncharted territory like Grant Holmes or are returning from injury like Spencer Strider (not to mention Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach, who could both return later this season) will become a consideration. Of course, this is made more difficult with the rotation depth already being largely spent, but things like that are worth exploring for the more medium and long term roster health.
Braves News
Didier Fuentes was optioned down to AAA, where he probably always should have been, as Nathan Wiles takes his place on the major league roster.
Well the Braves’ second game in Sacramento certainly went better than the first, as the bats showed up in a big way, led by Ronald Acuna.
MLB News
Michael Kopech underwent surgery on his torn meniscus, as he will hit the 60-day IL for the Dodgers.
The Yankees DFA’d former star DJ LeMahieu, who is owed $22 million dollars on his contract through the end of the 2026 season.
The Red Sox reinstated Masataka Yoshida from the 60-day IL, as he made his season debut on Wednesday.