The Atlanta Braves are far from their usual, dominant selves in the 2024 regular season. But there's a lot of baseball left to play.
At 64-57, the Braves would be in the playoffs as of Friday. They also have talent returning from the injured list between now and October. But this lineup isn't as potent as it has been in years past, and Atlanta could look to upgrade while there's still time to do so.
One area of concern for Atlanta is the middle infield. Stalwart second baseman Ozzie Albies is sidelined with a fractured wrist, potentially keeping him out through September. And shortstop Orlando Arcia, though he plays excellent defense, is one of the worst hitters in baseball.
Fortunately for the Braves, the waiver wire presents a potential solution.
When superstar Mookie Betts returned from the injured list on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers surprisingly designated infielder Amed Rosario for assignment. On Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided named the Braves among his top three fits for Rosario on the waiver wire.
"Rosario would add insurance in the infield and a capable veteran replacement for Albies, at least until he returns off the IL," Murray said. "And for a Braves team... in second place in the National League East, a player like Rosario could be incredibly useful."
Rosario, 28, has been a productive all-around player the past few seasons. He is batting .305 on the season, with 84 hits and a career-high 113 OPS+.
It was a shock to see the Dodgers cut Rosario, who they had just traded for at the deadline from the Tampa Bay Rays. Originally sent to the Cleveland Guardians from the New York Mets in the Francisco Lindor trade, Rosario now appears set to join his fifth team in four years.
Could the Braves use Rosario? Sure, lots of teams could. And Friday is the deadline to submit waiver claims for the utility man, so we'll know soon enough if he is headed to Atlanta.
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