The Atlanta Braves Call Up Anthony Recker, Release Eric O’Flaherty
By John Le
With the Atlanta Braves needing room for Anthony Recker, O’Flaherty’s second stint with the team is done.
It was announced earlier today that the Atlanta Braves were placing catcher Kurt Suzuki on the bereavement list as he attended personal matters. With the Braves needing a back-up catcher until Suzuki returns (expected to re-join the team in Arizona) they called up Anthony Recker from AAA.
The #Braves have placed C Kurt Suzuki on the bereavement list and selected the contract of C Anthony Recker from Triple-A @GwinnettBraves.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 21, 2017
As Recker was not on the 40-man roster, the Braves made room by choosing to release Eric O’Flaherty.
O’Flaherty had been recovering from a left shoulder rotator cuff tendinitis. The Braves placed him on the 10-day disabled list on the 11th (10 days ago) and with Recker coming up this was probably an excuse to release him instead of extending him to the 60 day list.
In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the team released LHP Eric O'Flaherty.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 21, 2017
But this… is just one more reason why we root for the Atlanta Braves.
Pretty solid gesture by the #Braves: Eric O'Flaherty reached 10 years of service time yesterday, giving him a fully vested pension. #onUp
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) July 22, 2017
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(Insert robust applause here)
O’Flaherty re-signed with the Braves on a minor league contract back in December after returning in 2016. His contract was purchased after posting a 2.19 ERA in spring training.
During the Spring, I wrote an article discussing if his spring stats was a sign he was turning the corner and could at least be a decent bullpen piece, however it was about as bad as his 2016 run.
This season the left-hander made 22 appearances for the Braves and owned a 7.85 ERA.
WRecking Time
Speaking of 2016 runs, Anthony Recker appeared in 33 games for Atlanta last season. In 112 plate appearances (90 at-bats), Recker produced a .278 batting average with 15 RBIs.
Recker had briefly appeared for the Braves this season after making the Opening Day roster. In 6 games, he had a .143 BA before being optioned to Gwinnett when Jason Motte was called up back in April.
Kurt Suzuki is going back to Maui tomorrow for his Grandma's funeral. He'll meet the team in Arizona. #Braves
— Kelsey Wingert-Linch (@KelsWingert) July 21, 2017
With Suzuki not expected to return to the team until at least Monday, I would expect Recker to start at least 1 of the games against the Dodgers.
Next: Looks Like Adams Will Continue To Smack Homers For Braves
Suzuki helped the Braves take down the hot LA Dodgers on Thursday when he hit a 2-run homer in the 4th. The Braves went on to win 6-3.