The Atlanta Braves cut their roster down to 28 players on Thursday and got a key piece back as reliever Will Smith was activated from the injured list. The Braves signed Smith to a three-year, $40 million deal this offseason but he was among the players who tested positive for COVID-19 during intake screening. Smith’s addition should strengthen a bullpen that has been impressive over the first 13 games.
Coming into Thursday’s game, Atlanta’s relievers had thrown more innings than the starting group while posting a 2.79 ERA (2.76 FIP) in 58 innings.
To trim the roster to 28 players, Atlanta optioned catcher Alex Jackson and reliever Chad Sobotka.