Atlanta Braves designate Luiz Gohara for assignment

There’s always fallout after a trading deadline. For the Atlanta Braves, their deadline included acquiring three relievers – Shane Greene, Mark Melancon and Chris Martin. Now, one of the roster dominoes has fallen to clear up a spot on the 40-man.

Luiz Gohara, once of one the brightest prospects in the Atlanta Braves system, has been designated for assignment to help make space for today’s new acquisitions.

That means that any team may claim him on waivers if they are willing to add him to their 40-man roster. If unclaimed, he’ll become a free agent.

In 2017, the big southpaw came to the Atlanta Braves through a trade with the Seattle Mariners along with Thomas Burrows, who’s currently with the Gwinnett Stripers. The Braves sent outfielder Mallex Smith and relief pitcher Shae Simmons over to the M’s.

The then 20-year-old made his major league debut that September, starting five games for the Atlanta Braves and putting his immense potential on display. It appeared as if the Bravos had a rotation piece for years to come, but then, tragedy struck.

Gohara’s father reportedly died in his arms that November while he was home in Brazil. He learned shortly thereafter, his mother had a heart condition. After starting the year on the disabled list, he eventually was granted leave by the Atlanta Braves to go home again to attend to personal matters. 

His results in 2018 were lackluster in both the minors and a stint in the major leagues. When he was up, he gave up 13 earned runs in 19.1 innings. His command was off and it looked as if he didn’t have any focus.

Coming into 2019, Gohara had been listed on the injured list with shoulder issues. Then, reports came out that Luiz would not return in 2019 due to surgery on that shoulder.

After all of the acquisitions at the deadline, the Atlanta Braves saw Gohara as expendable. It was speculated by fans that Gohara could be a trade chip himself. 

Now, Gohara is just 23 years old (happy birthday yesterday?), and while he doesn’t have anywhere near the prospect status as he once had, he’s still got plenty of time, assuming his shoulder injury isn’t catastrophic.

Here’s to hoping for a speedy recovery for a young baseball player who’s had his dreams put on hold.

I sincerely hope that Gohara finds a major league mound again. Maybe even for the Atlanta Braves.