Before their second matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Atlanta Braves made several roster adjustments, shaking things up in response to recent developments.
One of the key moves was activating outfielder Stuart Fairchild, who recently joined the Braves via trade. Fairchild will be available for tonight’s game, providing much-needed depth in the wake of Jurickson Profar’s 80-game suspension for a failed PED test. While Fairchild isn’t expected to be a major offensive contributor, his defensive reliability makes him a useful addition. Last season, he played 94 games for the Cincinnati Reds, accumulating 1.0 WAR but hitting just .215 with eight home runs and a .654 OPS.
Meanwhile, catcher Sean Murphy is beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett. This is a significant step forward for the Braves, as Murphy’s return would be a huge boost to the lineup. In his absence, rookie Drake Baldwin has filled in admirably. Though Baldwin’s traditional stats may not jump off the page, deeper analytical metrics indicate that he’s been much better than his raw numbers suggest. Having both Murphy and Baldwin available would solidify the Braves’ catching depth moving forward.
Additionally, the Braves promoted right-hander Zach Thompson to the major league roster, while veteran reliever Jesse Chavez was designated for assignment. Chavez, who rejoined the team after a difficult Spring Training, struggled to find his form and had a rough outing last night, allowing a home run to the first batter he faced. Given his age and recent struggles, his departure isn’t entirely surprising, though some Braves fans had hoped he could recapture the magic from previous seasons.
As for Thompson, he hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2022 but now gets another shot with Atlanta. The Braves have been actively shuffling the bottom of their roster, and Thompson is the latest in a series of additions aimed at finding the right mix of depth pieces. Given Atlanta’s aggressive approach to roster management, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more moves in the coming weeks as they adjust to injuries and suspensions.
Overall, these transactions reflect the Braves’ commitment to staying competitive despite roster challenges. The addition of Fairchild, the return of Murphy, and the call-up of Thompson all serve to reinforce different areas of the team, ensuring they remain well-equipped for the grind of the season ahead.
