Atlanta Braves News: Hurston Waldrep promoted, bats seem alive, more

Braves utility player David Fletcher was demoted from Triple-A to Double-A today. Fletcher is owed real money this year and next, but he was frequently used to pitch innings in Gwinnett. He is said to not have a very positive attitude and is currently under investigation regarding his alleged involvement with the same illegal bookmaker that Shohei Ohtani’s translator was involved with. Fletcher was part of one of the many big-money, bad-contract trades Alex Anthopoulos made this offseason, but the team really doesn’t seem to view him as a major league roster piece, even in terms of depth. The most realistic outcome the front office could hope for at this point is a suspension related to the gambling investigation that would allow them to alleviate his salary.

Braves News

One of Atlanta’s top prospects and 2023 first-rounder, Hurston Waldrep, was promoted to Gwinnett, having really turned a corner in Double-A after a slow start.

Chris Sale had his first really bad start to the season, resulting in an 11-9 loss in a game where the Braves bats finally looked sharp.

David Fletcher was sent to Double-A, despite being guaranteed significant money, after being frequently used as an innings 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 being traded by Atlanta to the A’s.

Braves legend Julio Teheran (still only 33 years old) opted out of his minor league contract with the Cubs, hoping to find a better opportunity.

Former Brave Vaughn Grissom hit the IL again in what was a stop-start debut season for him in Boston.

Ranger Suarez left the start early due to a bruised left hand, but his x-rays fortunately came back negative.

The Padres suffered a major 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.