Who’s gone? Atlanta Braves reduce active roster to 28
It’s the new rule, but if you think the Atlanta Braves are done with roster moves…
The 2020 roster reduction deadline has now passed: and thanks to a brand new agreement, it’s the only reduction that will happen. The Atlanta Braves are now down to their 28-man limit.
It was today’s change that perhaps pushed manager Brian Snitker to go ahead and rest Freddie Freeman — he had a couple of extra guys on hand that weren’t going to be around today.
The changes aren’t spectacular — well, you’ve already heard about the most important one: Reliever Will Smith is finally active now. But his addition required three moves for the Braves to get from 30 (or 31) down to the required 28.
- OF Scott Schebler has been designated for assignment
- RP Chad Sobotka has been optioned back to the taxi squad (officially the “Braves Alternate Training Site”)
- C Alex Jackson also optioned out to join Sobotka
Schebler is a victim of bad timing, and perhaps just a situation that didn’t match his expectations.
He was signed by the Atlanta Braves in the wake of Yasiel Puig‘s failure to pass a physical, but also just prior to the announced return of Nick Markakis.
The Braves did manage to throw Schebler a bone — and a game check — by putting him on the active roster yesterday. He grounded out to first in his lone Braves AB.
As it happens, the DFA status means that Schebler must clear waivers to be assigned to the minor leagues (i.e., what we’re calling the Alternate Training Site this year).
That may very well happen since all of the other clubs are having to deal with both 40-man and 28-man roster crunches right now. So — like Mike Foltynewicz — it’s not a sure thing that he’s gone from the Atlanta Braves (though Folty’s case was more about money).
Still: it would be good for Atlanta if they can hang onto guys like Schebler under these odd circumstances, for you never know who or what might be needed on a day-to-day basis. Certainly, the Phillies/Cardinals/Marlins/etc. have been living proof of this statement.
UPDATE: you knew this wouldn’t be the end of the transactions…
The #Braves today outrighted LHP Chris Rusin to the club’s alternate training site at Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 6, 2020
He had previously been designated for assignment – and remains with the team at this point.
Next. Other clubs are Greene with Envy. dark
So stay tuned: more roster moves are coming. You can count on that much.