The Braves announced that outfielder JP Martinez he has never been released on parole. Atlanta had designated him for assignment Monday when they were promoted Eddie Rosario. Atlanta is also selected AJ Smith-Shawverplaced Ramon Laureano on the 10-day injured list with an oblique strain, recalls Dylan Lee and restored Brian Anderson from IL.
Martínez appeared in seven games this year, making a solo start in right field. He has two runs in 10 at-bats. Acquired from the Rangers in an offseason DFA trade, Martínez spent most of the year on voluntary assignment for Triple-A Gwinnett. Over 60 games with the Stripers, he is hitting .244/.335/.360 with three home runs. Martínez drew a decent walk rate (10.9%) but dropped strikeouts at an alarming 27.6% rate.
Although he didn't have a great '24 season, Martínez was a productive player for Triple-A last year. He hit a .298/.418/.543 clip with 14 homers and 38 stolen bases over 77 games with the Rangers. That earned the Cuban-born player from 17 MLB appearances with Texas.
Martínez has never been pitched before and is nowhere near three years of major league service. As a result, he does not have the ability to test free agency. He'll stick with Gwinnett as undrafted outfield depth. Atlanta is likely to bring in foreign help before the July 30 deadline. By joining Laureano Ronald Acuña Jr. again Michael Harris II on the injured list, their current away team contains Jarred Kelenic, Adam DuvallRosario, Anderson and Eli White.
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