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Braves add two players into the mix for Nationals series opener
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- Braves add two players into the mix for Nationals series opener
The Atlanta Braves are making moves as September roster expansions approach. Atlanta has added right-handed relief pitcher Blake Burkhalter and veteran infielder Kyle Farmer to the active roster ahead of Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals .
Burkhalter earns his long-awaited big-league debut after a stellar minor-league season. The 25-year-old has posted a 1.26 ERA with 46 strikeouts and a 1.12 WHIP across 35 2/3 innings in 26 appearances in relief this year.
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Farmer is a nine-year big-league veteran who has already spent time with Atlanta earlier this season and brings bench depth. Across 15 games he has posted a .267 batting average, .250 on-base percentage and .583 OPS.
To clear a 40-man roster spot, the Braves transferred right-hander Robert Suarez to the 60-day injured list as he continues working back from right elbow inflammation. The move is procedural and keeps Suarez on the roster without requiring a waiver designation. His placement was backdated to when he first suffered the injury in June. When healthy this season, Suarez was outstanding, posting a 0.56 ERA with 26 strikeouts and four saves across 32 innings.
Burkhalter profiles as a high-leverage arm with a fastball sitting in the upper 90s and a sharp cutter. Farmer provides defensive versatility at second base, third base and shortstop. The Braves enter September at 82-56, holding first place in the NL East with a four-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies .
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Burkhalter was the 76th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Auburn and represents Atlanta's continued investment in player development. He underwent Tommy John surgery earlier in his career, which led to a transition to the bullpen where his swing-and-miss ability has flourished. He remains under team control through 2032, giving Alex Anthopoulos a cost-controlled, high-upside arm for the back end of the bullpen for years to come.
