Atlanta Braves Adjust The Roster Call Pedro Ciriaco Up

Today the Braves made the roster move many expected when they called up utility man Pedro Ciriaco.

When Chris Johnson went on the DL it allowed the Braves to carry an extra pitcher in the event that Mike Foltynewicz had a rough start Friday night. Folty was very good and looks like being up for a while but  carrying 13 pitchers left the bench a bat short; Ciriaco fills that spot.

Roster Promises Kept

You may remember that Ciriaco was named to the 25 man roster on the last day of spring training and wept for joy when skipper Fredi Gonzalez gave him the news. The following morning the Braves acquired Trevor Cahill and Ciriaco was sent to Gwinnett instead.

The 28 year old Ciriaco posted a line of 270/.299/.372 in 498 major league PA spread over five seasons with the Buc, Red Sox, Padres and Royals. In spite of his great spring he hasn’t exactly been tearing the cover off the ball at Gwinnett this season.

In his 80PA over 20 games he posted a slash of .234/.253/.286/.539 with one homer, one double, one walk and 15 strikeouts. In the spring he flashed his speed but so far in league play he’s attempted just one steal but it was at least successful.

Defensively he looks much like Alberto Callaspo; okay at second and third but an emergency only shortstop. He has played some left field as well but that too looks like an emergency use position.

Lefty Ian Thomas passed Ciriaco on the highway as he headed to Gwinnett to make room for the utility man’s arrive.  Alberto Callaspo will get most of the time at third base with Phil Gosselin as his primary backup and Kelly Johnson available from the left side.

That’s A Wrap

This looks like a reward for getting disappointed at the end of spring training to me. Ciriaco has always flattered to deceive byy having scorching springs and disappointing major league showings.  It would have made more sense to promote a pure outfielder like Adonis Garcia or Cedric Hunter both of whom have OPS over .800. Ciriaco adds nothing to the bench in the way of hitting or fielding, his only asset is speed and the Braves can’t really afford to carry a pinch runner specialist.

Still it is nice to see them fulfill the promise they made to him in the spring by giving him his shot.. I expect it to be a short and forgettable shot but we’ll keep you updated with his progress and all the other news here on the Take.