The 2025 MLB regular season is entering its final stretch, and it's safe to say that most Atlanta Braves fans are ready for the campaign to be over. A litany of issues has caused the Braves to sit nearly 20 games under .500 before August has even reached its halfway point, highlighting that there isn't much to play for unless Atlanta wins all of its remaining games.
Although a playoff appearance is highly improbable at best, the Braves' remaining games aren't completely useless. Atlanta can use its remaining games to audition prospects and minor-league veterans with the 2026 campaign in mind, and that'll be even easier to do once they can carry more names when roster sizes expand from 26 to 28 on Sept. 1.
With that in mind, a strong August performance could see one Braves outfield prospect join the bullpen next month.
Braves OF Carlos Rodriguez Needs Strong August for September Call-Up
One prospect who intrigued Braves fans before the season even started is Carlos Rodriguez. The 24-year-old outfielder spent seven years in the Milwaukee Brewers' system before signing a one-year contract with the Braves in November.
Rodriguez began the 2025 season with Double-A Columbus, and it didn't take long for him to catch people's attention. The 5-foot-10 speedster slashed .341/.404/.366 with five RBIs, three stolen bases, and five walks in only 10 games (41 at-bats) with the Clingstones before being promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Fortunately, Rodriguez capitalized on that opportunity, too. Since joining the Stripers in mid-April, Rodriguez has gone on to rack up three HRs, 22 RBIs, seven doubles, 36 walks, and a .268/.340/.344 slash line in 88 games (317 ABs). He's also 14-of-20 (70%) when it comes to stolen-base attempts during that stretch, proving that he can make an impact with more than just his bat.
Rodriguez's performance has recently dipped, meaning he has to turn things around quickly if he wants to be a September call-up. He's 1-of-14 with four strikeouts and a .352 OPS in his first four outings to begin August, and continuing the month at a similar output could squash any potential plans for a promotion.
Hopefully, Rodriguez realizes what he has to lose by taking his foot off the gas pedal and has a strong end to the season. Even though he can't help the Braves make the playoffs, he can at least prove his worth to manager Brian Snitker's staff, potentially putting him on track for a role on the big-league roster come Opening Day 2026.