Braves make move at catcher after back-to-back losses to lowly Pirates

The Atlanta Braves have made a big roster move after two bad losses to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After losing two horrible games to the Pittsburgh Pirates in succession, the Atlanta Braves have made a major move to their roster at the catcher position ahead of the series finale.

Atlanta has recalled veteran backstop Jonathan Lucroy ahead of Wednesday afternoon’s game, while sending William Contreras down to Triple-A Gwinnett. Lucroy had played five games with the Washington Nationals earlier this season. Contreras has gotten a ton on big-league experience this season with starter Travis d’Arnaud being hurt, but he has really struggled at the plate of late.

What does this move mean for the Braves going forward? Are they buyers or sellers this July?

Atlanta Braves address catcher issues after bad losses to the Pittsburgh Pirates

Not having d’Arnaud for the better part of the season with a busted thumb has been a huge issue for the Braves. He was coming off a career year and one where he took home the Silver Slugger behind the plate. Contreras is not the defensive backstop of d’Arnaud to begin with, and him really struggling at the plate has ultimately led to his demotion. Atlanta has played Kevan Smith a lot.

Lucroy may only be a temporary solution to a major problem for the Braves, but he should be able to provide more in the batter’s box than Contreras has of late. Not having d’Arnaud readily available has hurt the middle of the Braves’ order and behind the plate. Besides losing closer Mark Melancon to the San Diego Padres this offseason, the d’Arnaud injury has been especially painful.

Maybe Lucroy gives the Braves the lift they need behind the plate to keep the team’s hopes alive?