The Atlanta Braves made headlines just after the start of the 2017 regular season by bringing a former rival into their organization. On April 6, the Braves signed former Philadelphia Phillies’ slugger Ryan Howard to a minor league deal.
It was curious move, but a move that has no real downside. If Howard scuffles in Triple-A, then the Braves don’t really lose anything other than minor league salary. If he proves he can still hit, Howard could bring power off the bench as a pinch hitter and serve as the DH when Atlanta plays in an American League ballpark.