Braves take swing on one-time All-Star IF

As they lag further and further behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the division, the Atlanta Braves are calling for backup.

The Braves announced on Friday that they have signed infielder Joey Wendle to a major league contract. In a corresponding move, they are optioning fellow infielder Luke Williams to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Wendle, now 34, was an All-Star during the 2021 season with Tampa Bay Rays. He brings defensive versatility in the infield and has historically been strong against right-handed pitching.

Granted, 2024 has been one to forget so far for Wendle. He hit .222 with a sub-.500 OPS in 18 appearances for the New York Mets this season before getting designated for assignment. Now Wendle will look for a bounce-back elsewhere in the NL East with the 29-18 Braves, who also recently took a swing on a former Wendle teammate.