The Atlanta Braves have re-signed outfielder José Azócar to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. Azócar is set to appear in tonight's game, batting seventh and playing left field.
Azócar, who is out of minor league options, has already been selected to the major league roster twice this season. In both instances, he was designated for assignment, cleared waivers, and then quickly re-signed to a new minor league deal. The Braves and Azócar agreed to the initial minor league contract in the offseason, and he has since cycled through the majors and minors multiple times.
For the Braves, Azócar provides speed and defensive flexibility. According to Statcast, his sprint speed ranks in the 83rd percentile this season. He has also earned strong defensive marks at all three outfield positions. With Ronald Acuña Jr. and Eli White dealing with injuries, Azócar has served as a valuable depth option.
Offensively, Azócar has struggled to find consistent production. He is hitting .248/.293/.325 in his MLB career and has only 16 plate appearances this season, in which he posted a .333/.375/.467 line. His small sample size makes it difficult to draw long-term conclusions about his bat, but his defensive value remains clear.
Azócar's ability to clear waivers multiple times this season suggests there is little interest from other clubs in claiming him. This gives the Braves a unique advantage. They can keep him in the organization without fear of losing him to another team, ensuring he remains available for call-ups when needed.
The 27-year-old Dominican Republic native will now return to Gwinnett, where he can continue to develop and wait for his next opportunity in the majors. For now, the Braves have added depth to their outfield without using a 40-man roster spot.
Azócar is expected to get more playing time with the Stripers as they prepare for a crucial stretch of the season. The Braves will continue to monitor their outfield situation, with potential call-ups depending on the health of key players.
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