It seemed inevitable once the Atlanta Braves signed Eddie Rosario to a minor league deal shortly after the outfielder was released by the Washington Nationals. However, it’s now official as the 2021 NLCS MVP is back with the big league club.
Rosario wasn’t the only surprise move announced. The Braves also recalled Bryce Elder to start Monday’s series opener in Phoenix. To make room for both players on the 26-man roster, Atlanta optioned Dylan Lee and Luke Williams to the Gwinnett Stripers. Additionally, to make space for Rosario on the 40-man roster, the club designated OF J.P. Martinez for assignment.
Elder has pitched mostly at Triple-A Gwinnett this season but has made a few spot starts for the Braves. In his last MLB start against the Cardinals, he looked more like his All-Star self, completing six innings with two runs on four hits, including no walks and four strikeouts. This sets up 2024 All-Star Chris Sale to pitch game two of the series against Zac Gallen.
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
Can Eddie Rosario fix the Braves outfield problems?
Rosario had a disappointing tenure with the Washington Nationals, despite earning an NL Player of the Week nod. In 67 games, the outfielder slashed .183/.226/.329 (54 wRC+) and posted a -1.2 fWAR. He hit seven homers and stole eight bases but struggled in other aspects.
The one bright spot of his season came in May, when Rosario recorded a 137 wRC+ for the Nationals. Braves fans, familiar with his streakiness, hope this version of Rosario will continue for the rest of the season.
The Braves aim to recapture some of Rosario’s 2021 magic or at least his 2023 form, where he was a league-average hitter. Since Ronald Acuña Jr.’s season-ending ACL injury, the corner outfield spots have underperformed. Braves right fielders have posted a 46 wRC+ and -0.6 fWAR, the fifth worst in baseball during this period. Left field has been slightly better with an 81 wRC+ and 0.0 fWAR, but still ranks ninth worst among MLB left fielders.
By bringing Rosario back, the Braves hope to add some power from the left side. Atlanta has experimented with lefty swingers Forrest Wall and J.P. Martinez in left field, but both have struggled at the plate (although Wall’s 63 wRC+ is still nine points higher than Rosario’s). With Michael Harris II out, the Braves’ only other full-time lefty has been Matt Olson.
If Rosario can hit more like he did in 2023 than in 2024, he could help address some of the Braves’ outfield issues. If not, Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves’ front office still have time to find a better option.
