Atlanta Braves Release Veteran Jose Bautista
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves have released veteran third baseman, Jose Bautista. The move isn’t surprising considering his struggles at the plate. Although it was surprising to hear Johan Camargo will be the starter.
Jose Bautista playing third base was fun while it lasted for the Atlanta Braves. It was a good risk to take on a player who could have proven valuable. Instead, Bautista was a liability at the plate and because of that, the Braves had to move on.
While Johan Camargo has struggled as well this season he will become the starter. He is likely just a short bridge to Austin Riley. Jose doesn’t have the potential of Johan and was obviously washed up at this point.
It was a disappointing result for all sides considering Bautista’s career. A career that looks to be very much in jeopardy.
Jose doesn’t have anything left in the tank at this point even with an extra month of rest. He came in and did his best but it resulted in weak contact and a lot of strikeouts.
His .143 average with the team wasn’t cutting it for the Braves. With the addition of Dansby Swanson back to the lineup there was already going to be limited playing time for the veteran.
The Braves made the savvy move and didn’t wait too long to see if Bautista could find another gear. Cutting him is tough but it was the right move for a franchise headed in the right direction.
For Camargo, it spells a big chance to claim a starting role on the roster. If he can prove himself capable it will delay Riley’s call-up to the Big League team. If not the Braves will either have to trade for a starter or accelerate Riley’s path to the Braves.
Jose Bautista has had a great career, a career that appears to be over and ending unceremonially with the Braves.