Atlanta Braves Resign Peter Bourjos to Minor League Deal
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves have brought back Peter Bourjos on a Minor League deal providing further outfield depth. Bourjos will join the Triple-A outfield and is likely to be called up again.
Peter Bourjos started the season as a member of the Atlanta Braves bench. With Preston Tucker’s hot start and Ronald Acuna Jr. taking over as a starter, Bourjos was released. Bringing him back isn’t a bad decision but he is unlikely to make a big impact on the roster.
In his time with the Braves Bourjos played great defense and was an above average pinch runner. That is where his value ended with the team. His abilities at the plate or lack thereof resulted in him hitting .120 with 7 K’s and little consistent contact.
Adding him back to the Triple-A roster is simply a depth move in case of injury, or if Preston Tucker doesn’t bounce back. Tucker is hitting .278 but his numbers are benefitting from the hot start his recent AB’s have been unimpressive.
Jose Bautista is another depth piece the Braves have added who is still waiting in the wings in Triple-A. His slow start has delayed him joining a Big League roster that is rolling right now.
The Braves are a half game out of first place behind the New York Mets. With a win against the Mets tonight the Braves could claim first place in the National League East. A surprising chance considering the Braves are supposed to still be in rebuild mode.
Young players Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr. have infused this roster with energy. The energy that has staying power if Albies and Acuna can maintain their early success.
Peter Bourjos is simply a depth option in the case Acuna’s success doesn’t last. With the Braves’ new aggressive front office this is unlikely to be the last depth move the Braves make this season.