The Braves made two more roster moves today, recalling A.J. Minter and Bryse Wilson from AAA Gwinnett, bringing their expanded roster to 31. They began the expansion by calling up Johan Camargo, Jeremy Walker, and Chad Sobotka, and they should be adding even more reinforcements after the Gwinnett Stripers end their playoff run.
Austin Riley
I’m a bit surprised Riley hasn’t already received the call to Atlanta. I would have thought the Braves would want to give him as much time as possible to adapt to major league pitching before deciding if he does belong on the 25-man playoff roster. The Braves could desperately use the player who lit the world on fire in his first month in the bigs, and they won’t figure that out with him playing for the Stripers.
Riley has eight hits in seven games since the Braves moved his rehab assignment to Gwinnett. He’s yet to hit a home run but does have three doubles. Eventually, Riley is going to receive the call again and start some in left field. Hopefully, it is sooner rather than later.
Kyle Wright
The Braves don’t have to bring up Kyle Wright for September, but I expect them too. The #4 prospect in the organization has been roughed up in his stints in the majors but has turned his season around in Gwinnett. Once the Braves wrap up the division (assuming they do), I would expect both Wright and Wilson to receive a spot start or two in place of Mike Soroka and Max Fried – whose innings are being monitored.
Darren O’Day
O’Day is not only alive; he’s apparently well too. The submarine relief pitcher that has yet to make an appearance for the Braves in over a year had his rehab assignment transferred to Gwinnett last week, where he has now pitched twice and has yet to allow a run. In his four rehab outings, O’Day has only allowed two hits while striking out six in four innings. He could be a considerable addition to the Braves bullpen down the stretch and into the postseason. Look for him to be called up soon, providing there aren’t any setbacks.
Adam Duvall
I believe Adam Duvall’s chances of making the playoff roster are slim, but he’s helped the team win games and can be a power bat off the bench in September. Once Gwinnett’s season concludes, he should join the active roster.
Nick Markakis
Nick Markakis began playing catch last week, which is significant because the injury occurred on his throwing hand. It could be a couple of more weeks before the Braves are ready to test him out in a game, but knowing Markakis, nobody wants to return for this postseason stretch as badly as he does. I expect to see him out there this month, and health providing, he should be starting again for the Braves.