First Baseman Ernesto Mejia Released from Braves Roster
Minor leaguer wishes to play in Japan
The Atlanta Braves announced today that minor league first baseman Ernesto Mejia has been granted his release from the 40-man roster for the purpose of playing in the Japanese Pacific League. The Braves and Seibu Lions reached an agreement for Mejia's services and he will report to Japan next week.
Mejia, 28, has appeared in 937 minor league games over parts of 12 seasons and owns a batting average of .282 with 149 home runs and 598 RBI. This season, he hit .354 (28-for-79) with seven home runs and 24 RBI in 20 Triple-A games. Originally signed by the Braves in 2002, Mejia has appeared as high as Triple-A Gwinnett after a stint in the Royals organization. Last season with Gwinnett, Mejia hit a career-high 28 home runs and led the International League with 83 RBI.