The Braves announced today that they have optioned Braden Shewmake to Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday afternoon.
Ehire Adrianza began his rehab stint in Mississippi about a week ago, so this was expected.
The former first-round pick needs to play every day, and that’s not going to happen in Atlanta. With the Stripers, Shewmake can continue to refine his approach at the plate. He has improved offensively in 2023, raising his OPS by about 15 points from his first season at the Triple-A level, but the Braves still need to see a lot more if he wants to earn reps over Orlando Arcia, who has been outstanding this season.
I assume a corresponding move is coming for Adrianza to return to Atlanta, but as we’ve seen this season, injuries are inevitable. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Shewmake back in Atlanta at some point if more infielders go down.
Hopefully, Orlando Arcia and Ozzie Albies stay healthy, so that doesn’t become a reality, but if they or Adrianza are forced to miss time, it will probably be Shewmake getting the call and not Vaughn Grissom.
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