The Braves are slated to make a few notable roster tweaks, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman (via Twitter). The club will ink shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, who was recently released by the Mets, as had been suggested earlier today.
Also joining the active roster will be righty Bryse Wilson. To create roster space, the organization has optioned utilityman Johan Camargo and outfielder Adam Duvall.
The addition of Hechavarria is filled with interesting angles. For one thing, he had until just recently played for the division-rival Mets, who cut him loose when they had the opportunity to add Joe Panik. New York will continue to cover any further guarantees under Hechavarria’s contract, less a pro-rated portion of the league minimum for the time he spends in the majors in Atlanta.
It also marks the end of the Braves’ patience with Camargo, whose season-long struggles with the bat and more recent travails with the glove have finally reached a breaking point. His roster spot was said to be safe, but the club obviously decided upon a change when the opportunity arose to add Hechavarria after he cleared release waivers.
Hechavarria will now pair with Charlie Culberson to line up at shortstop for the foreseeable future. That pairing is keeping the seat warm for the injured Dansby Swanson, whose timetable remains unknown.
There’s also intrigue surrounding Duvall, who has received scant MLB opportunity this year despite a $2,875,000 salary. His presence on the 40-man roster seemed fortuitous when the club needed to replace Nick Markakis and Austin Riley — all the more so when Duvall socked five long balls in his first six games back in the bigs. But the good times didn’t last. Over his past 48 plate appearances, Duvall has just five hits (one for extra bases) with 18 strikeouts.
It’s all but certain that some additional near-term roster maneuvering will take place in Atlanta. Right now, the team is rolling with only three bench pieces, which is likely only temporary. And there’s a distinct imbalance in the outfield, which currently features three left-handed hitters (Ender Inciarte, Matt Joyce, Rafael Ortega) alongside everyday superstar Ronald Acuna. Perhaps Culberson will see some action in left field when an opposing southpaw takes the hill, with Hechavarria handling short, but it’d be optimal to have a committed right-handed-hitting outfield piece.
Wow- didn’t think they’d actually option Camargo down- but they did. He’s been awful this year- hopefully this helps him reset.
Honestly. I think he went down hill when they signed Donaldson. Then he didn’t get regular playing time like they talked about.
Plus Riley is taking over at 3b next year so that leaves him back in the utility role.
I would not bet on the Braves not trying to sign Donaldson to a 3 year 60 MM dollar deal. JD has earned it and protecting Freddie has never been more important
Camargo looks like he isn’t even trying to field the ball defensively sometimes. Great move sending him down. Let him pout in AAA until September.
Okay, Dork GM!
He is 100% correct and your childish name calling shows your true total lack of knowledge.on any subject
considering the username, he’s probably about 12
Well, that escalated quickly.
Haha player released by Mets instantly goes into the Braves lineup
Haha the Braves are 10 games up on the Mets. Haha
Haha I’m not even a Mets fan. I am a Cubs fan just stating facts haha
Haha we’re all having a good time here.
YES YES YES!
Duvall be gone!
So I am guessing Culberson and Joyce will now platoon in the OF?
Duvall is still a premier trade chip, right?
They can’t trade him, this year had a hard trade deadline on July 31st. All they can do is dfa him and try to pass him on wavers into their minor league system.
Yes dArK, dO YoU NoT wAtCh bAsEbAlL? They can’t trade him!
SMH
He does not have to clear waivers to go down to AAA. He is clear to be optioned. Learn the rules…..
Sending Camargo makes sense but to sign a washed up player doesn’t. This also tells us that Dansby’s injury is worse than they are saying. I can’t believe they don’t have someone in the minors that would be a better option
Well it’s either Florimon or Blanco and they both aren’t very good defensively I would guess. They could use Didder, but he would be a waste of a 40 man spot, and they obviously choose MLB experience over him. And I’m not sure it means Dansby’s injury is worse than thought. With expanded roster coming up, they can carry both Swanson and Hechavarria.
Plus Hechavarria has really good speed and more sound defensively than Camargo! Pinch runner, can play 2nd if Albies needs a rest. Especially with roster expansion on September 1st.
Definitely will wreak havoc with announciots scorecards.
@larryk317
Good speed? Guy has only stolen 9 bases in the past 6 years.
I think it only expands to 28 or 29 I think
hechavarria’s numbers haven’t been good, but didder has put up similar numbers against AA pitching
Agreed. I stated at the beginning of last year that Camargo was due for a regression given his numbers were dwarving his minor league stats, but his number are STILL better than Hechavarria. Makes no sense as Camargo does still have the potential to improve his stats, but everyone knows Hechavarria is nothing.
If this were to get Camargo regular AB’s, it would make some sense, but he is already getting those. Only thing I can think of is that the Braves are going to try to build his confidence over the next two weeks before they have to set their playoff roster. That’s it. Unless I am missing something.
Camargo is the victim of his own inflated 2018 results apparently. Otherwise he is a better option than Hechavarria.
You most definitely are missing something. Come on now. Johan’s defense has been terrible the past week or so, everything is played off to the side, or theres no hustle to get to balls, hes just playing lazy right now, and Adeiny’s defense is much better than Johan’s at this point. Its not about offense, its defense.
@#L1C4Life
Yep we are most definitely are missing something, Camargo’s 0 DRS, and -1.4 UZR must be worse than Hechavarria’s -2 DRS, and -1.6 UZR.
two players who both are hitting at the same level which isnt very well at sll..but you just upgraded the defense is how I look at it. At least the upgraded one area without taking from another. Besides this will help Carmago get back on track hopefully
Wilson was brought up to “replace” Tomlin but hopefully, this will be the start of changes being made.
#1: Give him a try at closer’s role!
Make Folty the closer. He has the skills.
I agree but the Braves are desperate for him to turn it around. The rotation is bad behind Soroka, and apparently, people still believe Folty has potential in the rotation.
I agree. Sadly, this probably won’t happen because he had such a solid year in 2018. Braves have to see if it was an anomaly and give him more than one year to figure things out. But it certainly hurts watching him struggle the second time through a lineup and implode on the third time through.
Finally !!!
Wilson will be a shutdown option in the bullpen we been missing all year
Not sure the replacement is any better… but carmargo definitely needs to work some things out. And not that he wasn’t playing every day, but the lack of pressure in the minors while playing every day will be good for him. His arm is so good, they should test him in the bullpen down there ;) lol
And hopefully trade him for an Elite catcher bc he’s that good.
And, for the Mets. Why isn’t Gagnon gone already? After stinking up the joint last night, I thought that they would release him before this morning. After so many stupid decisions by Callaway last night, this one is on Brodie.
Too bad JR Murphy was not called up to replace Flowers. Then again, the Braves probably value the veterans over inexperience.
Hechavarria was a Jays/AA signing nearly 10 years ago. Braves can use a glove while Dansby’s out. Makes sense.
That’s all he has is a glove, when batting might as well have a pitcher hitting
I don’t disagree.
We haven’t had a glove at SS since Dansby went down. Good move to solidify defense, get some outs that we have missed over the past few weeks on bobbled balls…
You could make the argument the Braves could have at least tied the game last night if not for Camargo defensively.
I think Snit had already given up the game by the 2nd. inning by staying with Julio & Tomlin so long. Trying to save the pen looking to the Dodger series. He forgot how the Braves players can come back.
Could put Albies at ss
Hechy’s not just a glove, he’s a very good glove, with positional flexibility, a cheap price, and (it’s said) great in the clubhouse. It’s really a perfect match.
@bobtillman
A very good glove? That -1 DRS, or the -1.6 UZR must be proof, right?
I really hope you don’t believe the defensive metrics. Every once in a while there is some agreement between the competing systems but it is rare. The eye test is still the best judge of defense and Hechavarria can still pick it.
@bosoxforlife
and you’ve seen Hechavarria’s every game this year?
You obviously haven’t seen Camargo standing around where a shortstop is supposed to be.
@Questionable_Source
Doesn’t matter whether I’ve seen Camargo or not when I’m asking about Hechavarria and his defense.
If you ever watch him play than you would look at those analytics and say they are what is flawed
He is extremely good in the field
@steelerbravenation
It’s not what I asked.
With the way the top 4 in that lineup are hitting right now all they really need is the defensive help.
@ahale224
Where are they getting that from?
Am I the only one that thinks we should try Joyce as the every day left fielder and Culberson as the everyday shortstop until Swanson gets back?
No, because Culberson is not much better defensively.
I’d rather have Castellanos in left….but never mind.
Do you so-called fans even watch the games?
@AllOurGodsHaveAbandonedUs
That must be joking, because Castellanos year after year has always been one of the worst defenders in baseball whether it be in the outfield or 3rd base.
True, but he is still far more valuable than Duvall. The Braves survived with Riley in left, they will be fine with NC in left..but again, never mind because he is a Cub.
@AllOurGodsHaveAbandonedUs
But the opposite holds true for Hechavarría? A supposed good defender (not according to metrics) and a just over the mendoza line hitter?
Wouldn’t Culbersons offensive potential far outweigh Hechevarra’s defensive potential? I know Charlie C doesn’t typically play shortstop but he is not a slouch defensive player. I have watched him play every position adequately with the exception of 1st base. That includes shortstop, catcher, and even pitcher (well it is debatable whether his pitching ability is adequate. He did strike out a guy on three pitches though. We will never use him there anyway.) I think he could get the SS position held down adequately and his offensive upside seems unknown but could be high.
@SecsSeksSecks
Joyce’s career numbers say you need to play him only when there’s a right handed pitcher.
I believe he will be in left vs righties & Charlie vs lefties
Let Camargo pout in the minors till September. I really don’t think he is trying, especially on defense. Hopefully, they are just being very careful with Swanson not to rush him back. Nothing to lose signing Hechavarria, just maybe the roster spot of Parsons. If no-one picks him up. September call-ups will help the Braves out a lot with the extra pitchers, maybe we can find one that can get an out.
All of y’all wanna spout off about defensive metrics and that’s fine. He may not have the range as much as he used too but as long as he catches the balls he can get to that’s all that you can ask
@meatloaf213
3 errors in 39 chances isn’t looking so good for balls that he was able to get to.
I just want to know if you saw all 3 plays ????
Was it an official scorer being a little error happy ???
Come on man if you ever seen the guy play for any extended period of time you would know how good he is with the glove
I mean he was throwing to Alonso over at first. It’s not like he is Don Mattingly over there. Was the official scorer saving the prized rookie or was it a throw over his head into the stands
You can look at numbers printed in a spread sheet all day
Watch the games and come back and tell us he wasn’t a good pickup
The offense is fine even without Markakis &
Dansby
This helps until Dansby comes back
@steelerbravenation
Same could be said about Camargo………………, last year. That still doesn’t tell me anything about what Hechvarria has done this year, and this year his numbers look just as bad if not worse than Camargo’s this year.
Clearly you have not watched one game since Camargo took over.
Someone mentioned that Camargo pouts. Is that for real or just a guess?