Braves Roster Move: Travis d’Arnaud returns from injured list, Kevan Smith designated for assignment



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The Atlanta Braves are recovering a key part of the roster in time for the stretch race. The Braves activated injured receiver Travis d’Arnaud from the 60-day injured list on Wednesday. To make room on the active roster, the team nominated wide receiver Kevan Smith for the assignment.

D’Arnaud was injured on May 1 when he suffered a torn thumb ligament during a home plate game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The injury required surgery, but the Braves were hoping it wouldn’t be the end of the season. Like most Atlanta players, d’Arnaud had a slow start at plate with a total of 0.220 / 0.253 / .341 in the first 23 games before getting injured. He reached .321 / .386 / .533 with nine homers in 44 games in 2021.

With Arnaud absent, the receiver’s position has been a revolving door for Atlanta. William Contreras got the first shot and performed well early on before collapsing and returning to Triple-A. Veterans Jeff Mathis and Jonathan Lucroy have caught a total of five games. The Braves acquired Stephen Vogt from the Diamondbacks on the trade deadline and paired him with Smith in recent weeks. Smith was never able to get on the right track, however, hitting just .168 / .248 / .200 in 33 games and 106 home plate appearances.

The Braves will continue a three-game streak against the Cincinnati Reds tonight at Truist Park.



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