‘Everybody’s favorite teammate’: Braves make difficult decision to release infielder Kyle Farmer

ATLANTA - With the trade deadline less than two weeks away and a postseason push in sight, the Atlanta Braves made a difficult business decision Tuesday, parting ways with clubhouse favorite Kyle Farmer as they reinstated outfielder Mike Yastrzemski from the injured list ahead of their game against the San Diego Padres.

“He’s everybody’s favorite teammate,” manager Walt Weiss said Tuesday. “It was tough finding him at-bats with the way our roster’s constructed and how we’re using it. I still think he’s got game left. … We love him here. He’s built up a lot of credibility here with this organization.

“He will always be in good standing here. Tough not to have him around.”

Farmer appeared in 12 games after making the team out of spring training on a split contract. He recorded four hits and three RBIs while batting .267 in limited opportunities.

The 35-year-old went on the 10-day injured list in mid-May with what the club described as a right forearm strain. He began a rehab assignment with Double-A Columbus in late June, where he was asked to play catcher. Farmer had two hits in 20 at-bats before rejoining the Braves on July 4.

WHAT TO KNOW: Everything you need to know about Tuesday’s game between Atlanta, San Diego

Farmer, an Atlanta native and UGA graduate, entered spring training as a long shot to make the roster. But his clubhouse presence and mentorship of younger players made him difficult to leave off the team as Opening Day approached.

That remained his primary role throughout the season, though the Braves had less roster flexibility as key players returned from injury, including Mike Yastrzemski and, eventually, Ronald Acuña Jr.

Farmer praised the organization’s professionalism and attention to detail back when the season began.

“The Braves just do a great job. Very professional,” Farmer told Atlanta News First in March. “I’ve told a bunch of people that this is what the big leagues is like — being here, the way they handle everything, all the way down to the family room, the travel, the cages. Everything.”

Yastrzemski missed just six games after hurting his elbow on a throw on July 10.

Who’s starting Wednesday?

The Braves entered their series against the Padres with Wednesday’s starter listed as TBD. Weiss told reporters before Tuesday’s game that the decision would be made afterward. Martin Perez, who has been dealing with forearm soreness since being struck by a Juan Soto line drive on July 5, is the likely choice to start.

Weiss stopped short of confirming Perez but said he is an option. If Perez does not get the call, the Braves have few alternatives. JR Ritchie, depending on whether he is used Tuesday, is realistically the only other option.

Chris Sale is slated to start Thursday’s series finale before the team heads to Baltimore for three games against the Orioles.

How to watch Braves on Gray

The Braves and Gray Media will simulcast 25 games for free, over-the-air to fans across Braves Country through local television stations, reaching 26 markets throughout the Southeast.

For broadcast times, channel information and additional details, fans are encouraged to click here and check local Gray Media station listings in their markets.