Braves roster update: Martin to IL, Sobotka recalled, Erlin claimed
By Steven Teal
The Atlanta Braves, unfortunately, lost yet another man to injury on Friday afternoon.
Atlanta Braves players had been doing a good job at staying healthy amid this crazy 2020 season. Unfortunately, in the last week, they’ve lost Mike Soroka, Ozzie Albies, and Matt Adams to injury.
Reliever Chris Martin was added to that list on Friday afternoon as it was announced he was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to August 6th with esophageal constriction.
I’ve not heard anyone diagnosed with that injury before. According to Medical News Today, an esophageal stricture occurs “when the lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed, which can cause scarring. This scarring can cause the esophagus to narrow.”
So, definitely a scary-sounding injury and we hope Martin recovers from this quickly. We definitely want him back on the team, but more importantly are concerned for his health’s sake.
The #Braves today placed RHP Chris Martin on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to August 6, with an esophageal constriction and recalled RHP Chad Sobotka to Atlanta. The club also claimed LHP Robbie Erlin off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 7, 2020
Atlanta made a couple of corresponding moves today after this news was announced.
The Braves recalled Chad Sobotka from the Gwinnett reserve camp while also acquiring LHP Robbie Erlin off waivers from the Pirates.
Sobotka has only pitched 1 inning of work so far in 2020 allowing no hits or runs and just 1 walk.
Erlin has pitched in 2 games this year for Pittsburgh with a 5.40 ERA across 3-1/3 innings of work allowing 2 runs on 5 hits with 1 walk and 4 strikeouts.
Robbie broke into the league with San Diego in 2013 and was with the Padres through the 2019 season. He had been designated for assignment on August 2nd by the Pirates.
His career numbers aren’t eye-popping as he has an ERA of 4.58 over the span of 108 games but I’m assuming the Braves are just stacking their options with candidates for the starting rotation and bullpen with the sudden uptick in injuries.
It certainly stinks to be losing Martin as he’s been great out of the bullpen for the Atlanta Braves in 2020. He has a 2.25 ERA in 4 innings of work and has certainly helped locked down the back end of ball games.
Luckily, Atlanta recently added Will Smith back to their roster and he should help fill the void created by Martin’s injury.
The Braves start an important 9-game road trip Friday night in Philadelphia and will look to continue their impressive offensive performance.
dark. Next. How are the Braves winning?
Kyle Wright takes the mound for Atlanta and opposes Vince Velasquez at 7:05 pm EST.