Braves recall OF Alex Verdugo, option Bryan De La Cruz to Triple-A Gwinnett
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Atlanta Braves on Thursday recalled outfielder Alex Verdugo from Triple-A Gwinnett ahead of the team’s weekend series against the Minnesota Twins at Truist Park.
The Braves optioned struggling outfielder Bryan De La Cruz in a corresponding move.
Verdugo, 28, signed with the Braves on a one-year, $1.5 million contract on March 20, giving the organization outfield depth as it dealt with Ronald Acuña Jr.’s absence and later with the 80-game suspension of Jurickson Profar.
Verdugo struggled with the New York Yankees in 2024, slashing .233/.291/.356 with 13 home runs and just two stolen bases in 149 games in 2024. But he gives the Braves another left-handed hitting option in the outfield.
As for De La Cruz, the 28-year-old was slashing .191/.240/.213 with no home runs and no RBIs in 16 games for Atlanta this season. He has player options, so he’s only a phone call away if needed later on this season.
As of Thursday, the Braves have outfield options in Verdugo, Michael Harris Jr., Jarred Kelenic, Stuart Fairchild and Eli White until Acuña and Profar return.
How to watch Braves on Gray
Gray Media will simulcast these 15 Atlanta Braves games throughout the Southeast this season.
Fans can watch the Braves on Gray by tuning into PeachtreeTV, Atlanta’s CW Network. Fans can also watch games on YouTube TV, over the air on channel 17.1 and on channel 17 on Dish Network and DirecTV and channel 7 on Xfinity and Spectrum.
If you are in another market outside of Atlanta, you can find your channel at BravesOnGray.com.
