The Atlanta Braves have optioned struggling rookie catcher/outfielder Evan Gattis to Triple-A, the team announced Friday. The Braves have not announced who will replace Gattis on the roster, but he will be eligible to return to the majors on Tuesday when the Gwinnett Braves' season ends.
Evan Gattis optioned to Triple-A by Braves
The catcher could return to Atlanta after the Gwinnett Braves’ season ends on Monday.
USA TODAY Sports
Gattis was once a front-runner in the NL Rookie of the Year race after winning Rookie of the Month honors in both April and May, but he’s been mired in a 5-for-36 slump in August and hasn’t homered since July 24. Overall this season, the power-hitting Gattis has produced a batting line of .238/.295/.469 with 15 homers, ranking him as a slightly above-average hitter with an OPS+ of 105. However, he hasn’t started since Aug. 22 and Atlanta wants to get him some consistent playing time in an attempt to get his bat going.
More: More on Gattis & the Braves: Visit Talking Chop
On the surface, this move means that Gattis won't be eligible for Atlanta's postseason roster since he won't be on the 25-man roster on Aug. 31. However, due to loopholes in MLB's postseason rules, he could still be selected as a replacement for an injured player if the Braves wanted his bat on the bench. Otherwise, the team would have to roll with only Brain McCann and Gerald Laird as catching options in the playoffs.
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