Braves Being Rewarded for Alex Verdugo Decision
Alex Verdugo, whose lack of interest from teams during the offseason had many in the baseball world perplexed, signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Atlanta Braves on March 20th. After ramping up his rehab, Verdugo was called up to the majors on April 17 with the Braves intending to clear a regular role for him on the team. With Jarred Kelenic, Bryan de la Cruz, Stuart Fairchild and Eli White struggling in the wake of Jurickson Profar’s suspension announcement, Verdugo had a clear path to earn an everyday spot on the roster. With Sunday’s performance, Verdugo has clearly earned it. Despite the Braves failing to sweep the surging Arizona Diamondbacks, losing 6-4 on Sunday, Verdugo went 4-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a walk. After Sunday’s game, Verdugo has a .333/.368/.472 slash line with an .841 OPS and 134 wRC+ in his first eight games as a Brave. He has clearly found
himself in the leadoff spot with his new club, away from the bright lights of the Bronx. Verdugo made headlines over the offseason when a March 18th report surfaced that claimed Verdugo hadn’t received a single major-league offer to that point. While Verdugo did struggle with the Yankees in 2024, his premier arm strength and solid fielding repertoire did warrant a team at least taking a flier on him as a depth piece. So far, Verdugo’s 9.1% strikeout rate, 10.2% whiff rate and .326 expected batting average in 2025 are all improvements from his 15% strikeout rate, 15.5% whiff rate and .250 expected batting average in 2024. Verdugo has clearly been the spark in a struggling Braves lineup.
Saginaw’s Spencer Schwellenbach throws another quality start in Atlanta loss
Former Saginaw Heritage star Spencer Schwellenbach earned another quality start Sunday, but the Atlanta Braves couldn’t provide the runs he needed in a 6-4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Schwellenbach, 24, allowed seven hits, three earned runs and one walk in six innings, falling to 1-2. Schwellenbach threw 88 pitches, 58 for strikes.
This season, Schwellenbach has thrown 37 2/3 innings with 33 strikeouts, 31 hits and six walks.
4 Braves relievers who could be on the chopping block when Craig Kimbrel returns
The Atlanta Braves are expected to add their former legendary closer Craig Kimbrel to the active roster any day now. The 36-year-old reliever has slowly been ramping his way up through the minor leagues, having now appeared in five scoreless outings.
While the Braves bullpen has struggled throughout the first month of the season, there’s not an obvious choice to get moved off the 26-man roster, and the player who eventually does lose their spot may be off the Braves for good.
4 Braves bullpen arms who could be removed from the roster soon
The Braves already made two bullpen related transactions on Sunday, first adding Davis Daniel to the active roster while designating fan favorite Jesse Chavez for assignment, and secondly claiming former starter Ian Anderson off waivers.
According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Ian Anderson will join the Braves in Colorado on Monday and is likely just additional depth. The most obvious corresponding move for Atlanta would simply be to option Daniel.
Ian Anderson will meet the Braves in Denver tomorrow. He’ll be available out of the pen when Elder starts tomorrow. They haven’t announced whether Smith-Shawver will start Tuesday. My guess is he will and Anderson would just provide depth during the series at Coors Field.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 27, 2025
