Atlanta Braves Roster
- NL East
- Stadium
- Truist Park
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton withstood seven innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. The 39-year-old struck out nine batters and surrendered three runs for a quality start, but took a loss after Atlanta was beaten 3-2. Morton has fanned nine batters or more on four occasions in his 11 starts this year. The two-time All-Star has been fairly dependable overall, registering a 3.62 ERA with 72 punchouts in 64 2/3 innings. A 1.44 WHIP, however, remains a bit suspect. Morton tentatively faces the New York Mets next on Thursday, when he'll be seeking his first win since May 15.
Despite Atlanta Braves outfielder Eddie Rosario's strong performance at the plate, going 3-for-4, his team fell short in a 3-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. Rosario proved to be the sole contributor to the Braves offensive output, generating all the runs by blasting two solo home runs in both the second and seventh innings off Arizona pitcher Merrill Kelly. With his overall slash line at .251/.280/.449, Rosario has also accumulated seven home runs and 20 RBI in 175 at-bats.
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias was asked to take the mound with a two-run lead versus the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. The right-hander struggled with his command on Tuesday, but was able to bounce back nicely here. Iglesias fired a perfect ninth inning to help the Braves get a 4-2 victory. He needed only six pitches to notch his sixth save of the season. Iglesias hasn't allowed a run in seven straight appearances, so it appears he is settling down nicely.
Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy is not in the club's starting lineup Wednesday afternoon against A's right-hander James Kaprielian. It's of little surprise to see the backstop getting a breather in an afternoon game following an evening contest Tuesday night. The Braves are wise to keep their prized catcher rested as he's been a monster at the plate, hitting .286 with 11 home runs and a .951 OPS across 46 appearances on the campaign. He's shown no signs of slowing down with a .930 OPS in the month of May while he continues to provide elite defense behind the plate. Travis d'Arnaud will take over behind the plate and hit cleanup in Oakland.
The Atlanta Braves selected the contract of right-hander A.J. Smith-Shawver on Tuesday, according to the team's Twitter. In a corresponding move, they have designated lefty Lucas Luetge for assignment. The Braves drafted Smith-Shawver in the seventh round of the 2021 draft, but he has progressed quickly through the minors and is only 20 years old. Over 33 innings this season split between three levels, the team's third overall prospect owns a 1.09 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with 45 strikeouts. Smith-Shawver will likely be used for length out of the bullpen, so he's more relevant in dynasty leagues at the moment than in redraft formats.
