It is about that time of year. We have seen what all the prospects in the Braves system have been able to do in the first half of 2019, and the ones who went on a tear are primed to be promoted to the next level. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some guys who we could see get the call from the skip soon:
Who can we expect on the major league team?
Given the deep state of the Braves roster, openings are limited, which means there are no obvious promotions. But of course, there are a handful of guys who are an injury away from getting the call.
Kyle Wright has returned to form as of late. Bryse Wilson is currently manning the Braves’ 5th starter spot, but that could change as Atlanta continues to eye the trade market for rotation help. Wright and Kolby Allard look to be the next men up unless Mike Foltynewicz begins to show signs of hope.
If the Braves look for a boost out of the bullpen, Patrick Weigel is a legit option. He had to sit out a while with Tommy John, but was dominate in AA this year and has held his own in AAA thus far as well.
Adam Duvall is the obvious replacement in the outfield given an injury, and the same would likely apply to Travis Demeritte if there were an injury in the infield or if a guy like Johan Camargo or Charlie Culberson, who is expected to man the infield and outfield, goes down. God forbid.
The Braves are blessed with unbelievable depth in AAA, but because of how reliable everyone on the current roster has been, no top prospects are knocking on the door of the big leagues.
Who could get the promotion to AAA?
Ian Anderson has been terrific in AA this season en route to being named the starter for the National League Futures Game team. He is a prime candidate to get called up to AAA any day now, and could even make an impact on the major league team by season’s end.
Kyle Muller and Tucker Davidson are not as highly touted but have been impressive for Mississippi as well. They may lose priority, and the Braves are pretty deep at starting pitching in the upper levels, but when a spot opens, they will be ready to take it.
And then, of course, you have the Braves top two hitting prospects and best friends, Drew Waters, and Cristian Pache. They should get the call up any day now. Waters has nothing left to prove in AA after his recent tear. A September call-up is not out of the question for either of these talented young gentlemen, especially considering the cushion the Braves have in the division.
Who could get the promotion to AA?
No one necessarily sticks out here, though inevitably some will be made. Trey Harris is a prime candidate to replace Waters or Pache’s spot in the outfield barring a call-up, but he also started the year with Rome. If he performs well over the next few weeks, he could get promoted based on his advanced age for the level, however.
Who could get the promotion to A+?
While Shea Langeliers is off to a slow start for Rome, the Braves’ second selection, Braden Shewmake, has been on absolute fire. He could follow a similar route to that of C.J. Alexander last season with a quick promotion. A college bat who immediately showed he had nothing left to prove in low-A ball, Shewmake is turning some heads in his first 100 professional at bats.
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