The Braves have made a strategic move, designating right-hander Hunter Stratton for assignment and transferring righty Spencer Strider to the 60-day injured list. This decision opens up two 40-man spots, allowing the team to select righty Carlos Carrasco and catcher Jair Camargo. These moves signal a shift in the team's strategy, with a focus on acquiring experienced and reliable players.
Stratton, 29, was acquired from the Pirates last summer after being designated for assignment. The Braves have been utilizing him as a versatile reliever, sending him up and down between the major and minor leagues. Since the trade, Stratton has pitched 17 1/3 innings in the big leagues with a 2.08 ERA, which is impressive but may be slightly inflated due to favorable factors like a high batting average on balls in play and strand rate. His minor league performance this year has been less impressive, with a 4.38 ERA and a bloated walk rate.
Stratton's future is uncertain, as he enters DFA limbo, where he can be claimed by another team within a week. The Braves have the option to explore trade possibilities, and his intriguing stuff, including a 96 mph four-seamer and sinker, as well as a cutter and slider, could attract interest. With options remaining, he remains an appealing asset for other clubs.
On the other hand, Strider's absence is more concrete. He has been placed on the 15-day IL due to elbow inflammation and will undergo a follow-up MRI. Even in the best-case scenario, his return is unlikely before the middle of August, which could impact the team's expectations for the season. These transactions highlight the Braves' strategic approach to managing their roster and addressing player health and performance.
