The Atlanta Braves have cruised through the first quarter of the season, but they may be entering their first rough patch.
Following last night's game, the Braves announced they have placed catcher Drake Baldwin on the 10-day injured list with a strained right oblique. Atlanta recalled catcher Chadwick Tromp from the minor leagues in a corresponding move.
The Braves also announced a flurry of other roster moves. Atlanta activated left-handed reliever Dylan Dodd from the injured list and optioned starter JR Ritchie to Triple-A Gwinnett. The club also recalled reliever Victor Mederos and released left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer.
Baldwin has been sensational for Atlanta after winning National League Rookie of the Year last season. This season, the 25-year-old is hitting .303 with 13 home runs and a .931 OPS through 48 games. Baldwin has also accumulated a 2.2 bWAR, ranking among the top 10 players in baseball.
The loss of Baldwin comes at a time when the Braves activated their other superstar, Ronald Acuña Jr., from the injured list last night. Atlanta planned to ease Acuña back in after his hamstring injury. But after losing a force like Baldwin, Atlanta may need to insert him into the everyday lineup quicker than expected.
The Braves have defied expectations despite the number of injuries they've suffered this season. With Baldwin added to the list, Atlanta now has 10 players on the IL, including starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach, who has yet to make his season debut.
The Braves own the best record in the National League at 32-16 and hold a seven-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. Atlanta has navigated injuries all season, but losing Baldwin may be its toughest challenge yet.
Atlanta continues its series against the Miami Marlins today at 4:10 p.m. EST with Martin Perez facing Braxton Garrett.
