Braves Reassign Carlos Carrasco in Surprising Roster Shake-Up

Braves make strategic roster shifts as Carlos Carrasco and others head to minor league camp amidst depth concerns.

The Atlanta Braves made some strategic roster moves on Wednesday, with notable veteran Carlos Carrasco among those heading to the minor league camp. Carrasco, a former standout with the Cleveland Guardians, has been reassigned as the Braves fine-tune their lineup.

The team announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that they have optioned left-handed pitcher Hayden Harris to Triple-A Gwinnett. Alongside Carrasco, right-handed pitchers Elieser Hernández and James Karinchak have also been sent to the minor league camp. This leaves the Braves with 50 active players in their spring training camp.

Carrasco, who joined the Braves last season, is remembered for his impressive 2017 performance with Cleveland, where he finished fourth in the American League Cy Young voting. Although he only appeared in three games for Atlanta last year, he re-signed with the team on a minor league deal this offseason, looking to make a strong comeback.

James Karinchak, another former Cleveland player, has also been reassigned. The Braves brought him in during the offseason to bolster their bullpen depth, a move that could pay dividends as the season progresses.

Hayden Harris, at 27, had a taste of the majors with the Braves last season and has shown promise in the minors. His performance could earn him a call-up later this year, adding valuable depth to the roster.

Elieser Hernández, 30, made his MLB debut back in 2018 and last played in the majors in 2024. With his experience, he remains a potential option for the Braves as they navigate the season’s challenges.

Depth is crucial for Atlanta, especially with injuries impacting their spring training. These players will aim to make a strong impression at the minor league camp, hoping to earn their spot back in the big leagues as the season unfolds.