MLB Rumors: 3 Braves who won’t be on the roster by Sept. 1

Braves who won’t be on the roster: Forrest Wall

As incredible as his name may be, Forrest Wall has yet to receive a major-league start or even an at-bat. Wall has entered the game as a pinch runner and stolen two bases, showing his potential value on an expanded postseason roster should the Braves need such things.

Wall, 27 years old, finally received his first big-league call up this season. He recounted his story to The Athletic, and it’s a tear-jerker.

“I was in my apartment,” said Wall, 27, who has lived in the Atlanta suburbs while playing for Triple-A Gwinnett this year. “It was late evening — my (Gwinnett) manager called me. My brother was there with me, which was really cool. He had no idea until I literally fell to my knees, in tears. He came over to me and gave me the biggest hug. I’ll never forget it.”

While I may hope I’m wrong on this one, the Braves will need room on the roster when the likes of Sam Hilliard come off the injured list. Unless they trust Wall more to take some actual MLB at-bats, he could be the odd man out.

Wall and Hilliard played together for several years in the minor leagues. At the time of his promotion, Hilliard spoke of how proud he was of their time together.

“We played together two or three years (in the minors),” said Hilliard. “Even when (we) weren’t on the same team, we were hanging out at spring training. You’ve got your spring trainings, your instructional leagues, all that stuff. We were really close with the same friend group there. So, we go way back.”

Now, they may very well be competing for the same roster spot. Life comes at you fast as a big leaguer.