ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Braves plan to activate third baseman Adonis Garcia and left-handed reliever Eric O’Flaherty from the 10-day disabled list before Friday’s series opener against the Reds in Cincinnati, manager Brian Snitker said Wednesday.
Garcia has been on the DL since May 16 with Achilles tendinitis, and when he returns it probably will not be in his previous role as the every-day starter. The Braves have indicated rookie third baseman Rio Ruiz will stay with the major league team for the forseeable future and share duties with Garcia.
Ruiz has hit .244 with two doubles, one homer and five RBIs in 14 games, albeit with just three walks and 15 strikeouts in 45 at-bats. He’s had a few misplays defensively and made his second error Wednesday, a throwing error that let in the tying run in a 2-1 loss to the Angels, but the Braves like much of what they’ve seen from the 23-year-old prospect.
Veteran reliever O’Flaherty has been on the DL since May 20 with a low back strain.
The Braves will have to make two corresponding roster moves to open spots on the 25-man roster before activating Garcia and O’Flaherty.
