The Atlanta Braves have made a notable roster move by signing outfielder Eddie Rosario to a minor league contract. Rosario, who was recently released by the Washington Nationals, will join the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate, Gwinnett. This move comes as the Braves also announced that outfielder Eli White has been called up to the major league roster. To accommodate White, the Braves optioned Forrest Wall to Triple-A and shifted left-hander Ray Kerr to the 60-day injured list, creating space on the 40-man roster.
Rosario’s release from the Nationals was finalized just a day before this signing. The Nationals had designated him for assignment earlier in the week, and despite being owed approximately $950,000 in salary for the remainder of the season, no team claimed him off waivers. If Rosario is eventually promoted to Atlanta’s major league roster, the Braves will only be responsible for paying him the prorated minimum salary, while the Nationals will cover the rest of his salary.
Rosario had signed a minor league contract with the Nationals in the offseason, which guaranteed him a $2 million salary if he made the major league roster. Despite this, his performance during the early part of the season was underwhelming, with a batting line of .183/.226/.329 and only seven home runs over 235 plate appearances. His struggles were evident against both left- and right-handed pitchers, leading to his eventual release.
The Braves’ decision to bring Rosario back is partly due to their current outfield situation. Superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. is out for the season with a torn ACL, and Michael Harris II is also on the injured list with a hamstring strain. Additionally, recent acquisition Ramon Laureano has been dealing with a back issue. With these injuries depleting their outfield depth, Rosario could provide valuable left-handed hitting and outfield defense. His previous stint with the Braves in 2021 was highly successful, culminating in a World Series MVP performance, which might hint at the potential for a revival.
Alongside Rosario’s return, Eli White has been promoted to fill the outfield gap. White has struggled with injuries throughout his career but has shown strong performance at Triple-A this season. His ability to play solid defense and run the bases effectively could make him a useful addition to the Braves’ lineup while they await the return of their injured players.
The Braves’ current roster adjustments reflect their ongoing efforts to navigate through a challenging season, with injuries significantly impacting their lineup. As they adjust to these changes, both Rosario and White will play crucial roles in filling the void left by their sidelined teammates
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