The Atlanta Braves have actually made a considerable relocation by formally signing experienced outfielder Eddie Rosario to a big league agreement. In an associated choice, the group has actually optioned fellow outfielder Jarred Kelenic to Triple-A Gwinnett. To accommodate Rosario on the 40-man lineup, Atlanta designated right-handed pitcher Zach Thompson for task, showcasing the group’s dedication to improving their outfield choices while making important lineup modifications.

Jarred Kelenic’s demotion shows an uncomfortable start to his season, as the 25-year-old previous leading possibility has actually had problem with a frustrating batting average of .167, an on-base portion of .231, and a punching portion of .300. He has actually built up an incredible 23 strikeouts in simply 65 plate looks, equating to a strikeout rate of 35.4%. Despite the Braves protecting him from left-handed pitching, Kelenic has actually dealt with a southpaw just 6 times this season, going hitless in those looks, consisting of 4 strikeouts. The group’s choice suggests their seriousness to address Kelenic’s efficiency concerns, which have actually prevented his advancement.

During the 2023-24 offseason, the Braves taken part in a complicated series of trades that included handling numerous undesirable agreements to obtain Kelenic from the Seattle Mariners. This maneuver included taking in the staying monetary commitments connected to very first baseman Evan White and left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales. Atlanta then traded Gonzales to the Pirates in exchange for money and sent out White to the Angels while getting the undesirable agreements of David Fletcher and Max Stassi, the latter of whom was consequently traded to the White Sox. This whole deal led to Atlanta taking in over $20 million in agreements, not representing the high-end tax ramifications, which contributes to the monetary threat of this technique.

This dangerous method has actually not yet flourished, as Kelenic’s offending battles have actually continued. He provided below-average offending production in 2024 and has actually fallen back even more this season, publishing a frustrating .222 batting average, a .279 on-base portion, and a .381 slugging portion, along with a 30.4% strikeout rate. With the Braves presently at the bottom of the NL East standings after a suddenly rough start, the group cannot manage to stay client with Kelenic’s efficiency. Compounding the scenario, outfielders Alex Verdugo and Eli White have actually exceeded Kelenic, leading the Braves to check out other choices for their outfield lineup along with Michael Harris II, Stuart Fairchild, and the freshly signed Rosario.

Rosario, now 33 years of ages, go back to the Braves for his 5th successive season. Atlanta at first obtained him from the Guardians throughout the 2021 trade due date in a salary-dump offer, where he played an essential function in their World Series triumph that year. The Braves consequently rewarded him with a two-year, $18 million agreement to return, which did not yield the preferred outcomes. After a tough 2022 season, Rosario had an average efficiency in 2023 before signing with the Nationals, just to go back to Atlanta after Washington launched him. His re-signing suggests the Braves are still purchasing his capacity to contribute favorably.

This year, Rosario’s stint with the Braves marks his 2nd big league stop, having briefly had fun with the Dodgers where he went hitless in 4 plate looks before being designated for task. Since 2020, Rosario has actually not had a complete season of above-average efficiency, taping a combined batting line of .232/.278/.396 (82 wRC+) over 1,521 plate looks with 4 various groups. He might possibly squad with the right-handed striking White in one corner outfield area while the Braves wait for the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. from the hurt list, hoping that Rosario can find his kind.

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old Thompson is now in a position where he will either be traded or put on waivers within the next 5 days. If the Braves select waivers, the procedure will take two days. In the coming week, Thompson will discover the result of his classification for task, which is important for his profession moving on.

This season, Thompson has actually made 2 big league looks for the Braves, pitching 3 2/3 nothing innings. In 4 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level, he has actually enabled 6 runs (3 made) on 7 hits and 3 strolls, together with 2 strikeouts. This marks his very first competitive action because 2023, as he missed out on the whole 2024 season following surgical treatment to fix a torn flexor tendon, which has actually postured difficulties for his recover.

Throughout his profession, Thompson has actually pitched in the majors throughout 2 different seasons. From 2021 to 2022, he collected 196 2/3 innings, mostly functioning as a starter for both the Marlins and Pirates. He showcased guarantee throughout his MLB launching with Miami in 2021 however dealt with difficulties after being traded to Pittsburgh as part of the Jacob Stallings offer. Overall, Thompson holds a 4.36 age in the majors, with an 18.3% strikeout rate and an 8.6% walk rate. Though he does not have frustrating speed, balancing simply 91.2 miles per hour on his four-seam fastball, he still has numerous minors choices staying, making him an enticing prospect for groups looking for inexpensive depth in their beginning rotation.