Braves protect trio ahead of Rule 5 Draft
This browser does not support the video element.
The deadline to set the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft was on Tuesday, so the Braves selected infielder Braden Shewmake and right-handers Roddery Muñoz and Darius Vines to the Major League roster, while designating right-hander Silvino Bracho, outfielder Guillermo Heredia and right-hander William Woods for assignment.
Shewmake, Atlanta’s fifth-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline, has struggled offensively at the upper Minor League levels. He produced a .715 OPS in 307 plate appearances for Triple-A Gwinnett this year. But his defense has impressed the Braves. He can play the middle-infield positions.
• Toughest decisions for each team ahead of Rule 5 Draft
Vines, the Braves’ No. 15 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, posted a 3.95 ERA in 20 starts for Double-A Mississippi and then produced a 3.21 ERA in seven appearances (five starts) for Gwinnett. He has good command as evidenced by his 26.5% strikeout rate and 6.7% walk rate.
This browser does not support the video element.
Muñoz, who has been in the organization since 2018, played for Class A Rome and Mississippi this year and was a combined 8-4 with a 4.66 ERA with 105 strikeouts in 89 1/3 innings.
As for Bracho, Heredia and Woods, the Braves have seven days to trade or place them on irrevocable outright waivers.
Heredia played sparingly this past season as he hit .158 with a .562 OPS in 82 plate appearances (74 games). While earning a $1 million salary, he created some value with the energy he brought to the dugout and clubhouse.
Bracho wasn’t productive during his time with Atlanta, allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings. Woods pitched two innings without allowing a run in two games.