MLB rosters are set to expand from 26 to 28 players for September, meaning the Braves will add one pitcher and one position player by the end of the week. Here are the most likely candidates to join the team in Atlanta:
Jesse Chavez
As of this afternoon, Jesse Chavez is officially back with the Braves. Given the injury to Jackson Stephens and rosters expanding, he will be on the roster no later than Thursday.
Kyle Muller
Muller has done pretty much all you can ask of a young player that is attempting to make the major-league roster. He owns a career-low 2.98 ERA in Gwinnett to go along with a 1.093 WHIP and 10.9 K/9. As Jake recently pointed out in an article, Muller is primed to make an impact in Atlanta and could even do enough to make the postseason roster.
Kyle Muller did make a start for the Braves in August, picking up a win and tossing five innings against the Marlins. Muller only allowed three hits, one walk, and two runs while striking out five. He can definitely contribute for the Braves as a spot starter or bullpen piece. He seems like the obvious choice, and if he pitches well enough, he could absolutely make the playoff roster and contribute in a way Kyle Wright did in 2021.
Darren O’Day
Some people might not even realize Darren O’Day is still with the organization, but he’s around and has made six appearances recently with the Stripers, posting a more than respectable 1.50 ERA. If the Braves want to add another bullpen arm with experience, he’s the most likely option.
Orlando Arcia
Orlando Arcia returned over the weekend for the Stripers, beginning his rehab assignment after pulling his hamstring. So far, through two games, he has three hits, including a double in five at-bats. It shouldn’t be long before he’s back in Atlanta as the team’s primary utility man.
Ian Anderson
The Braves hope Anderson will contribute to the major-league team by the end of the season. They need him, but if his last start is any indication, he’s not ready quite yet. Anderson surrendered seven runs on ten hits last Friday night for the Stripers. He did limit his walks, but I highly doubt the Braves are eager to rush him back following that performance.
Chadwick Tromp
Chadwick Tromp also began his major-league rehabilitation assignment over the weekend. If the Braves wanted to keep their impressive catching tandem of William Contreras and Travis d’Arnaud fresh heading into the postseason, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Tromp make an appearance, especially while other key pieces nurse injuries.
Mike Soroka
It won’t happen when rosters expand, but Mike Soroka has ramped up his pitch count to 75 pitches. He will likely try to throw around 90 next time out for the Stripers. If everything continues to go well as far as health is concerned, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a spot start or join the bullpen in a couple of weeks.
Ozzie Albies
Albies has yet to begin his rehab assignment, but it is set to begin Thursday. Once he starts to look like himself again, expect him to join Atlanta sometime in mid-September.
Bryce Elder
Elder had a tremendous July for the Stripers and appeared for the Braves against the Marlins in August, going seven innings and allowing just one earned run. I still think it is too soon for Elder to become a consistent contributor at the major-league level, but don’t be surprised if he gets another opportunity at some point in September.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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