The Atlanta Braves were satisfied with the makeup of their current roster after all. Alex Anthopoulos has reportedly plugged the hole left by Nick Markakis’ decision to opt out of the 2020 season with free agent outfielder Yasiel Puig. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported Tuesday that Puig was in agreement with the Braves pending a physical. The team has not yet announced Puig’s signing and it may take a couple of days longer due to the added tests due to the pandemic. On the surface though, the Braves just added another significant right-handed bat to their roster.
Braves News
Prior to Tuesday’s Intrasquad scrimmage, Brian Snitker announced that Mike Soroka would be the team’s starter on Opening Day in New York. Soroka will be the youngest Opening Day starter for the Braves during the modern era. Snitker also updated the status of outfielder Cristian Pache who was injured on a stolen base attempt in Monday’s scrimmage. Pache was originally penciled in to Tuesday’s scrimmage lineup but was later scratched due to soreness in his ankle. He is expected to sit for a couple of days.
Our player pool profiles series continued Tuesday with a look at left-hander Chris Rusin and catcher Jonathan Morales.
MLB News
Eleven MLB umpires have exercised their right to opt out of the 2020 season according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Twins outfielder Byron Buxton had to be carted off the field during Monday’s Intrasquad scrimmage at Target Field. The Twins announced on Tuesday that he is day to day with a left mid-foot sprain with no structural damage.
Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo will undergo an MRI on his back according to manager David Ross. Rizzo has been sidelined for about a week due to stiffness in his back.