​The Atlanta Braves announced a wave of roster moves ahead of Tuesday’s game in Pittsburgh, with several adjustments designed to refresh the bullpen and address immediate needs. The most notable change involved right-hander Owen Murphy, who was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett after a tough big-league debut and an extended debut on Monday night against the New York Mets. In his first appearance, Murphy was summoned into extra innings and worked one inning, but surrendered the game-winning runs, leaving Braves fans hopeful that a return to the minors will help him refine his stuff and command.
Joining Murphy in roster shuffles, Atlanta selected the contract of left-hander Connor Thomas, providing the bullpen with a fresh arm capable of bridging multiple innings as needed. Simultaneously, the club released right-hander Daysbel Hernández, part of the ongoing adjustments as they navigate fatigue and performance across their pitching staff. To further fortify the bullpen, right-hander James Karinchak was recalled from Triple-A, adding another specialist option to cover innings during this stretch run. The Braves also placed right-hander Tyler Kinley on the paternity list, a move that temporarily thins the bullpen but is common during the season and can be absorbed by the team’s depth and versatility.
These moves come as the club looks to refresh its bullpen in the final road trip before the All-Star break. Connor Thomas brings a left-handed arm into the mix, offering another path to get left-handed hitters out and a potential long-relief option when the situation demands. James Karinchak’s return gives Atlanta an experienced reliever who can handle high-leverage innings, while Owen Murphy shifts back to the minors to regroup after his debut. With Kinley away on paternity leave, the Braves will rely on their depth to cover the innings and keep the bullpen ready for the heightened workload that characterizes the latter half of a season.
Meanwhile, in other MLB news, Hurston Waldrep faced a difficult outing as Atlanta dropped a 12-4 decision to the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighting the continued ups and downs of a pitching staff during a demanding stretch run. Ronald Acuña Jr. is reportedly approaching a rehab assignment, with a potential start as soon as next week, a development that would provide a significant boost to Atlanta’s lineup as it navigates through a competitive schedule.
Across the sport, the Minnesota Twins announced that outfielder Byron Buxton has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hip strain, retroactive to July 6. The timing could complicate Buxton’s participation in the All-Star Game, depending on recovery progress and the team’s needs during the injury window. The Pirates also announced news about shortstop Konnor Griffin, who is expected to miss eight to ten weeks due to a torn tendon in his left hand, a setback for Pittsburgh as it looks to maintain momentum down the stretch.
On the transactions front, the Braves also welcomed Rowdy Tellez back to their organization on a minor league deal, a move that offers potential depth at first base and designated-hitter duties while the majors navigate fatigue and lineup optimization. These developments reflect the ongoing theme of 2026 MLB rosters: strategic call-ups, roster flexibility, and the constant balancing act between developing younger talent and leveraging veteran depth to compete in a crowded, grueling schedule. As teams inch closer to the All-Star break, every move carries additional weight, with implications for bullpen composition, rotation stability, and the overall pace of the second half of the season.