Braves lead Cardinals 3-1 on July 13 behind Matt Olson before rain halts play. Atlanta also shakes up its bullpen, calling up Wander Suero for the stretch run.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the Braves could coast into the All-Star break, Sunday delivered a dose of classic baseball chaos. As rain fell in St. Louis, pausing a 3-1 Atlanta lead over the Cardinals, the front office was busy making waves of its own, executing a significant bullpen shuffle designed to fortify the team for the stretch run.
A 1.50 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 36 innings at Triple-A Gwinnett made Wander Suero's case for a promotion undeniable.
On the field, the Braves were handling business against the Cardinals before the weather intervened. After falling behind early, it was Matt Olson who played hero, tying the game with an RBI single in the 3rd. He wasn't done, delivering the key two-run single in the 4th inning that put Atlanta ahead 3-1. The rally was fueled by a costly throwing error from Cardinals right fielder Alec Burleson, allowing Jurickson Profar and Michael Harris II to scamper home. Making a spot start, Davis Daniel gave the team a solid four innings, allowing just one run before the skies opened up in the top of the 5th, leaving the game and the series finale in limbo.
The biggest news of the day came from the transaction wire. The Braves called up veteran right-hander Wander Suero from Gwinnett, a move earned by his downright dominant numbers in Triple-A. In a corresponding, and frankly shocking, move, Daysbel Hernández and his stellar 2.10 ERA were optioned to Gwinnett. While the team is likely looking to manage his innings and bring in a fresh arm, sending down a reliever who has been so effective was a definite head-turner. The shuffle was completed with Michael Petersen being designated for assignment, clearing space for the new-look relief corps.
These moves don't happen in a vacuum. With star third baseman Austin Riley officially on the 10-day IL since Saturday, the Braves are already testing their depth. The need for innings-eaters like Davis Daniel, who was recalled specifically for this start while Austin Cox was optioned, becomes paramount. The team is clearly prioritizing health and strategic roster management, hoping to have all hands, including Riley and a rested Hernández, ready for the critical post-break push.
As the Braves await a decision on their game in St. Louis, they head into the All-Star break in a strong position. The break offers a much-needed chance to rest, heal, and integrate a new weapon in Wander Suero. The front office has shown it's not afraid to make bold, sometimes unpopular, moves to chase another title. Now, we wait to see how this re-tooled roster comes out firing in the second half.
