The Braves reinstated outfielder Guillermo Heredia from the injured list before Saturday’s game in Milwaukee. Infielder Johan Camargo was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, opening a spot on the active roster.
Heredia, 32, bolsters the team’s outfield depth at a time they could certainly use it. He hasn’t played since April 29 because of a hamstring injury, but he was surprisingly productive in the previous 13 games. Heredia hit .300 with two homers and eight RBIs in 49 plate appearances. He did a large bulk of that damage during a Sunday night game in Chicago, when he homered twice and collected six RBIs.
The Braves’ center-field spot has been an issue throughout the season. Collectively, Braves center fielders are hitting .205/.289/.346 with three homers and 13 RBIs. The team’s only position with a worse slash line is catcher, though the catchers have more homers and RBIs.
Cristian Pache, the team’s top prospect, has struggled mightily at the plate in his first full season manning center and is on the IL for the second time. Heredia will join fellow veteran Ender Inciarte as the team’s center-field options. Inciarte, who also recently returned from a hamstring injury, started in his first game back Friday. Inciarte and Heredia will see ample playing time.
“It’ll be good that we don’t have to tax either one of those guys,” manager Brian Snitker said. “We can divvy up the workload and hopefully keep them both upright.”
The Braves continue their series against the Brewers on Saturday. They’ll return home Monday for a seven-game homestand against the Mets and Pirates.
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