As expected, the Atlanta Braves have selected the contract of infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. to take Ozzie Albies’ spot on the active roster. Albies was placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured wrist. Additionally, the team confirmed the signing of veteran infielder Whit Merrifield to a major league contract. Outfielder Eli White was optioned to create a spot for Merrifield on the active roster. Atlanta designated Forrest Wall for assignment to open up a spot on the 40-man roster.
The #Braves today selected INF Nacho Alvarez Jr. to the major league roster and placed INF Ozzie Albies on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left wrist. Additionally, the club today signed INF Whit Merrifield to a major league contract after optioning OF Eli White to…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 22, 2024
The Braves pulled off a bunch of roster juggling in an effort to cover for losing Albies. Alvarez looks like the everyday second baseman going forward but Merrifield gives them another veteran with experience. Merrifield has also played in the corner outfield and could figure into the mix there if needed. He put up a 65 wRC+ in 53 games for the Phillies before getting released, but has been just about a league average bat for his career.
White had played sparingly since his promotion and is 3-for-13 with a homer in nine games. Wall had a couple of stints on the active roster but also played sparingly going 7-for-29 at the plate. His speed was his biggest attribute but it wasn’t enough to save his roster spot. He’s appeared in 51 games at Gwinnett where he was hitting .279/.380/.411 with a 111 wRC+ in 231 plate appearances.
