Braves designate outfielder Jordan Schafer for assignment
Update: The Braves have made the move official:
Braves OF Jordan Schafer has been designated for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 1, 2014
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, the Atlanta Braves are planning to DFA outfield backup Jordan Schafer and option Chasen Shreve in the wake of trading for Emilio Bonifacio and James Russell:
The #Braves haven't announced the roster moves to make room for Bonifacio and Russell. They're expected to option Shreve and DFA Schafer
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) August 1, 2014
This move isn’t exactly shocking, as Schafer has struggled mightily all season for the Braves in a limited role. Add in the fact that he was picked off in a pretty important situation against the Dodgers a few days ago, and it’s no surprise that many on Twitter were advocates of this exact move.
As of right now, the Braves haven’t officially announced the move, but Bowman is one of the very best when it comes to reporting on the team.
Schafer has played in 63 games for the Braves this season, getting 93 plate appearances and putting up a triple slash of just .163/.256/.213. According to Fangraphs WAR, Schafer has been a -0.1 player and his most valuable asset–his speed–just doesn’t play enough to warrant a continued spot on the team. He is arguably having his best season from a base stealing perspective, swiping 15 bags and being caught just twice. However, with his hitting ability he’s essentially just a good pinch runner.
If Bowman is correct, Shreve will be going back down to the minors to make room for Russell. He only threw in five innings but did well with his opportunity in Atlanta, striking out seven batters, walking one and allowing just six hits.
The Braves already announced on Twitter that Shreve will be sent to Gwinnett:
Following tonight's game, the Braves optioned LHP Chasen Shreve to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 1, 2014