Injuries & Moves: Tonkin activated from IL
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June 8: RHP Michael Tonkin reinstated from IL; RHP Roddery Muñoz optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett
Tonkin, who had a strained neck, was reinstated before the series finale against the Mets. The righty proved valuable after injuries created a chance for him to stay in Atlanta’s bullpen beyond the season’s first week. But before going on the IL, he struggled over his last three outings, allowing nine runs (six earned) and 11 hits.
Called up on June 6, Muñoz, who is the Braves' No. 21-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, did not appear in a game. With Gwinnett, he fanned 24 over 27 1/3 innings.
June 6: RHP Ben Heller acquired from Rays for international bonus pool money, optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett; OF Nick Solak designated for assignment
Heller, who hasn't pitched in the bigs since 2020, went 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA in 18 relief appearances for Triple-A Durham this season, fanning 34 over 27 1/3 innings.
To make room on the 40-man roster, Solak was designated. The 28-year-old appeared in just one game for Atlanta this season, scoring a run.
June 5: INF Luke Williams claimed off waivers from Dodgers and optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett; LHP Max Fried transferred to 60-day injured list; RHP Michael Soroka optioned to Triple-A
Soroka's long-awaited return to the Majors was inspiring, but he struggled on the mound, allowing nine runs in 9 2/3 innings in his first two MLB starts since 2020. Fried's move to the 60-day IL shouldn't affect his timeline, since he wasn't expected to return from his left forearm strain until early July at the soonest. This is just a procedural move to create a 40-man roster spot for Williams.
Williams, 26, owns a .234/.291/.306 slash line in 254 MLB plate appearances with the Phillies, Giants, Marlins and Dodgers since 2021, seeing time at every position on the field except catcher. He posted an .816 OPS in 42 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City this year.
INJURY UPDATES
10-day and 15-day IL
LHP Dylan Lee (left shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: TBD
Lee has been playing catch, but he hasn’t thrown off a mound since he began feeling left shoulder discomfort after his May 16 appearance against the Rangers. (Last updated: June 6)
60-day IL
LHP Max Fried (left forearm strain)
Expected return: First half of July
Fried hasn’t been cleared to begin throwing off a mound, but he hasn’t had any setbacks since beginning to play catch on May 25. Once he is cleared to throw off a mound, he will likely need at least a month to progress from bullpen sessions to live batting practice to a rehab stint, which could include at least four starts. He has been sidelined since his May 5 start. (Last updated: June 6)
OF Ehire Adrianza (left shoulder strain)
Expected return: TBD
Adrianza played in just five games with the Braves this season before straining his shoulder, then hit .357 in a four-game rehab stint with High-A Rome before being moved to the 60-day IL. (Last updated: May 19)
RHP Kyle Wright (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: TBD
An MRI showed Wright is dealing with a right shoulder strain, but not any significant tears. The Braves aren’t placing any timetable on Wright, who began the season on the injured list after right shoulder discomfort forced him to halt his preseason preparations for three weeks in January. Wright was placed on the 15-day IL on May 4, as he felt more discomfort during the previous day’s start against the Marlins. He was moved to the 60-day IL on May 15. (Last updated: May 15)
LHP Kolby Allard (right oblique strain)
Expected return: June
Allard’s bid to find a spot on the Braves’ pitching staff ended when he strained his right oblique during Spring Training. He eventually could be used as a spot starter or long reliever. (Last updated: April 7)
LHP Tyler Matzek (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2024
Matzek is rehabbing after surgery. (Last updated: April 7)
RHP Huascar Ynoa (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2024
Ynoa is recovering from surgery. (Last updated: April 7)