Just a few days after being optioned without appearing in a game for the Atlanta Braves, right-handed pitcher Zach Thompson has found his way back onto the major league roster. His return, however, comes under unfortunate and somber circumstances. Thompson has been recalled following Aaron Bummer’s placement on the bereavement list, as the left-handed reliever steps away from the team to deal with a personal matter involving a loss in his family.
Bummer has quietly been a solid contributor in the early going of the 2025 season. Through five innings pitched, he’s posted a 4.50 ERA alongside an impressive 2.57 FIP — a sign that he’s been more effective than his surface numbers suggest. His most recent outing came on Thursday night, where he delivered a scoreless inning of relief following a lengthy rain delay, helping to stabilize the bullpen during a tricky stretch.
Zach Thompson
With Bummer temporarily unavailable, the Braves have turned back to Thompson, who will be looking to make his first appearance in a major league game since his stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022. The 30-year-old right-hander has shown flashes of promise in the past and will now get another chance to prove himself at the highest level. Though he was recently sent down, his recall underscores the volatility and constant movement of a major league pitching staff, especially early in the season.
While Thompson’s return is a baseball story, the real focus for the Braves — and their fans — is on Aaron Bummer and what he’s currently facing off the field. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, and it’s a reminder that there’s far more to these athletes than just the game they play. Everyone in the Braves community, and across Major League Baseball, is no doubt sending their best wishes to Bummer and his family during this difficult time.
In moments like these, baseball takes a back seat. Here’s hoping Bummer finds comfort, support, and peace as he navigates this period of grief.
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