Just two days after Braves manager Brian Snitker raised eyebrows by pinch-hitting playoff legend Eddie Rosario for Eli White, the front office stepped in to prevent that scenario from repeating — at least for now. On Friday, the Braves designated Rosario for assignment and called up versatile utility man Luke Williams, who has previously seen MLB time with Atlanta.
When the Braves brought Rosario back a few weeks ago, the goal was to give Jarred Kelenic regular playing time while keeping a left-handed bat on the bench. But Rosario only saw action in three games during this latest stint, going hitless in four at-bats. Statistically, Rosario has struggled over the past few seasons, ranking among the bottom ten hitters (by wRC+) with at least 800 plate appearances. His final appearance this time around was as a pinch-runner, scoring the tying run in a comeback win over the Reds — possibly a key moment that led the Braves to favor the speed and flexibility of Williams.
Williams hasn’t impressed at the plate in Triple-A Gwinnett, hitting just .132 with a .350 OPS. Still, his speed and versatility give him an edge. He can play both infield and outfield, and he’s significantly faster than Rosario — ranking in the 83rd percentile in sprint speed last season compared to Rosario’s below-average pace.
With Stuart Fairchild already being used in pinch-running roles, adding Williams gives Atlanta more strategic options late in games. It might also serve as a safeguard to keep Snitker from choosing Rosario, one of the league’s least productive bats in recent years, over hotter hitters like White.
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