Braves Release Ernesto Mejia

Braves released first baseman Ernesto Mejia today so he could play in Japan Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

The Braves released long time minor leaguer Ernesto Mejia today so he could play for the Seibu Lions of the Japanese Pacific League. Mejia joined  the Braves system in 2005 and stayed through 2009. He spent 2010 in the Royals farm system but returned to the Braves in 2011. As Ryan noted earlier in the week, Ernesto was off to a hot start with a .354/.420/.684 slash in his 88 plate appearances but is of course blocked in Atlanta by Freddie Freeman . He’s always had power in the minors but a less than sterling glove marked him as a classic AAAA player and he never got a cup of coffee in Atlanta. Other teams must have felt the same as there were at least three desperately searching for a first baseman this year and none asked about Mejia.  This move opens a spot on the Braves 40 man roster.  Everyone here at the Take wish Ernesto success in Japan. Hopefully he’ll follow the path of many others and come back to get a chance in the Majors.