Evan Gattis Optioned to AAA; Jose Constanza Recalled

Aug 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis (24) in the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Just minutes after the Braves completed a win on “El Oso Blanco Night”, the team announced that Evan Gattis would be heading to Triple-A Gwinnett. On Saturday morning, it became clear who was being called up to take his roster spot.

Outfielder Jose Constanza (vroooommm!!) is on his way back to Atlanta to take the roster spot, and we could play some serious “overreaction theater” on this move. However, it is painfully clear that the Braves simply want Gattis to get some full time at-bats in the next few days, and he’ll be heading back to Atlanta when rosters expand.

Gattis has struggled mightily in recent days, posting a horrid .566 OPS since the All-Star break. This move should (hopefully) allow him to work the kinks out of his swing in an effort to reinforce him as the primary right-handed bench bat down the stretch.

For Constanza, he was likely headed to Atlanta after September 1st anyway, so he gets a head start. With Jordan Schafer playing most days, Constanza should be the primary pinch-runner in September.

In the grand scheme, this is kind of a throwaway move, but since Gattis is involved, the hype level rises. Don’t worry, Braves fans, he’ll be back soon.