As expected, the Atlanta Braves have made a move to fortify their bullpen by placing OF Sam Hilliard on the IL and replacing him with RHP Seth Elledge.
Hilliard, who was injured and left the game in the top of the 3rd, had gotten his first starts in over a month with the hamstring injury to Eddie Rosario. Kevin Pillar replaced him in the contest, with Forrest Wall being called up for additional outfield depth (leaving the Braves a man short in the bullpen).
With Bryce Elder leaving last night's game after only 2.2 innings, Atlanta had to get some more arms as that bullpen has been taxed in the last few outings. Six of the eight relievers have either exceeded 40 pitches or threw on Tuesday, with only Lucas Luetge at full availability (although Dereck Rodriguez could easily come back for a 2nd outing tonight, if needed)
Seth Elledge is that arm.
The right-hander, 27, was a 2017 4th rounder by the Seattle Mariners and made his debut in 2021. He's bounced around the league recently and is on his 3rd team of the season, having pitched nine and two-thirds innings in AAA Gwinnett after the Braves claimed him on waivers. He's got a 1.86 ERA and a 1-0 record in seven relief appearances, striking out eleven with only three walks.
He's expected to be in uniform and available tonight for game two of the series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
More must-reads: