The Atlanta Braves announced multiple roster moves his afternoon with the selection of outfielder Eddie Rosario as the headlining move of the transactions. The team also announced that they have recalled starting pitcher Bryce Elder to start tonight’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The #Braves today recalled RH Bryce Elder to Atlanta and he will start tonight’s game at Arizona. The club also selected OF Eddie Rosario to the major league roster, and optioned LH Dylan Lee and OF Luke Williams to Triple-A Gwinnett. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 8, 2024
To make room on the active roster, the team optioned infielder/outfielder Luke Williams and reliever Dylan Lee to Gwinnett. The team also formalized that they have designated outfielder J.P Martinez for assignment, creating a spot on the team’s 40-man roster for Rosario.
Rosario was signed by Atlanta to a minor league contract last week after being released by the Washington Nationals. Rosario had struggled in his first season with the Nationals, hitting only .183/.226/.329 in 219 at bat. He did hit seven home runs.
The 2021 NLCS Most Valuable Player hit .244/.294/.427 in 255 games with Atlanta after joining the team via trade during the 2021 season. The Braves did not re-sign him after last season.
The demotion of Dylan Lee can only be assumed to be related to having an option available as the left-handed reliever had been outstanding in 28 games out of the Braves bullpen with a 2.00 ERA (207 ERA+), a 1.139 WHIP and was averaging 9.3 K/9.
Williams returns to Triple-A after limited playing time in Atlanta in which he had only 12 place appearances in 12 games.
Martinez appeared in seven games for Atlanta earlier this season with two hits in 10 plate appearances.
Elder will make tonight’s start in place of All-Star Chris Sale, who will pitch tomorrow.
