The Atlanta Braves are promoting veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo and optioning Bryan De La Cruz to the minors, the team announced Thursday during their off day before a weekend series against the Minnesota Twins. Verdugo, 28, was originally a second-round pick by the Dodgers in 2014 and once ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 33 overall prospect in 2018. He later became the key piece in the Red Sox’s blockbuster trade sending Mookie Betts to Los Angeles in 2020.
Now in his eighth MLB season, Verdugo has suited up for the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Yankees, compiling a career .272 batting average with 70 home runs and 316 RBIs. He struggled at the plate last year with the Yankees, hitting just .233, and has batted .207 with Triple-A Gwinnett so far in 2025.
Atlanta’s outfield has been a problem area this season, with Ronald Acuña Jr. still recovering from knee surgery and Jurickson Profar serving an 80-game PED suspension. Michael Harris II (.179), Jarred Kelenic (.146), and De La Cruz (.191) have all underperformed offensively. Acuña is expected to return in May or early June.
The Braves, currently sitting at a disappointing 5-13, will open their series against Minnesota on Friday night at 7:15 p.m. ET. Chris Paddack (0-2, 9.49 ERA) is slated to pitch for the Twins, while Bryce Elder (0-1, 7.20 ERA) gets the start for Atlanta.
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