The Atlanta Braves designated José Azócar for assignment on Wednesday after Eli White returned from a concussion. Azócar elected free agency after clearing outright waivers, according to the MLB.com transaction log. The move opens a roster spot for the Braves as they navigate return-to-play scenarios.
Azócar has appeared in nine games with Atlanta this season. He batted 5-for-15 with two doubles and a stolen base. The 30-year-old Venezuela native brings a career .248/.293/.325 batting line over 434 plate appearances, with most of his major league action coming with the San Diego Padres between 2022 and 2023.
Before his brief stints with the Braves, Azócar has been playing well for Triple-A Gwinnett. He is batting .270/.348/.420 with two home runs and eight stolen bases in 10 attempts over 30 games. His versatility in all three outfield positions and plus speed off the bench make him a valuable asset in the minors.
Azócar is a familiar face to the Braves organization. He elected free agency after a DFA on May 8 but re-signed with the club three days later. With no remaining options, he must go through the waiver process each time Atlanta wants to send him back to the minors after an MLB stint.
The move is a roster adjustment rather than a long-term decision. The Braves now have flexibility as they integrate returning players. Azócar is expected to return on a minor league deal in the coming days. His free agency status is short-lived but highlights the challenges of managing a 40-man roster with limited options.
Azócar’s performance in the majors has been modest but consistent. His .270 batting average in Triple-A this season suggests he can still contribute as a utility player. His ability to steal bases and play all three outfield spots adds depth to Atlanta’s bench.
The Braves have a decision to make regarding Azócar’s return. If they re-sign him, they’ll need to manage his 40-man roster spot carefully. With White back in the fold, the outfield depth is more stable for now.
The Padres, who signed Azócar as a minor league free agent in 2022, will monitor his free agency status. A potential return to San Diego could provide depth if the Padres are looking to bolster their bench.
Azócar is expected to finalize a minor league deal with Atlanta by the end of the week. The Braves have until Friday to make a decision on his return or another roster move.
Chris Taylor has officially retired from Major League Baseball after 12 seasons, according to the MiLB.com transaction log. The 33-year-old utilityman, who spent his final season in Triple-A with the Los Angeles Angels, played a key role in two World Series championships and four NL pennants with th
just now
The New York Yankees have begun shifting Anthony Volpe to second base drills, as manager Aaron Boone revealed to reporters on Friday. Despite José Caballero’s return from the injured list, Volpe remains on the big league roster following the team’s decision to option rookie outfielder Spencer Jones
3 hours ago
The Colorado Rockies placed outfielder Mickey Moniak on the 10-day injured list due to right ankle tendinitis ahead of their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Rookie Sterlin Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to fill Moniak’s spot on the roster. The move comes as Moniak has misse
4 hours ago
The Boston Red Sox are moving Marcelo Mayer to shortstop for the first time in his MLB career following Trevor Story's season-ending sports hernia surgery. Interim manager Chad Tracy announced the position change, with Mayer expected to make his first MLB start at shortstop on Sunday. The decision c
4 hours ago