The Atlanta Braves are shaking things up in the final weeks of the season. They just called up fireballing prospect Jhancarlos Lara to the big leagues.
Lara’s got a blazing fastball and serious strikeout ability. He’s a high-upside, high-risk arm who might give Atlanta’s pitching staff a late-season jolt.
This move comes as part of a flurry of roster adjustments. The Braves sent Dane Dunning to Triple-A and designated Jonathan Ornelas for assignment, showing they’re ready to experiment and evaluate talent for the future.
Braves Bet on Power Arm for Late-Season Push
Jhancarlos Lara is just 23 years old, but he’s already built a reputation in the minors for a fastball that regularly sizzles in the high-90s. He’s even touched the magic 100 mph mark.
Pair that with a sharp, biting slider, and you’ve got the kind of stuff scouts dream about. This year in Double-A and Triple-A, Lara posted a hefty 31.8% strikeout rate, making him one of the most prolific swing-and-miss pitchers in the Braves’ system.
The Risks Behind the Call-Up
Of course, Lara’s promotion isn’t without some red flags. His electric arsenal often gets undercut by erratic command, and he’s handed out walks at a staggering 20% rate this season.
Those control issues have helped inflate his 7.73 ERA in the minors. There’s been a bit of improvement at Triple-A Gwinnett, where he posted a 6.53 ERA and a more tolerable 4.58 FIP.
The Braves know there’s volatility, but they’re betting his strikeout punch could outweigh the risks when games matter most. Sometimes you just have to roll the dice on raw talent.
Roster Moves to Make Room
To make room for Lara, Atlanta sent right-hander Dane Dunning back to Triple-A. Dunning’s time with the Braves has been a mixed bag.
He showed flashes, like a brilliant two-inning shutout against Texas. But there were rough outings too, especially a tough night in Cincinnati.
That inconsistency left the Braves searching for alternatives—especially arms who can miss more bats. It’s not exactly a shocking move.
Jonathan Ornelas Designated for Assignment
The roster shuffle also saw infielder Jonathan Ornelas designated for assignment. Atlanta acquired Ornelas earlier this year, but he made just two appearances in a Braves uniform before the team removed him from the 40-man roster.
His playing time was limited, and this decision shows the team’s focus on flexibility. Atlanta’s clearly willing to prioritize potential impact arms as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Why the Braves Are Taking the Gamble
For a playoff-caliber team like Atlanta, late-season call-ups can do a lot. They might provide a spark right now or give players a shot at earning a postseason or future role.
Lara’s high-octane stuff could give the bullpen a weapon in September. If he can harness his command, he might even stick around for the long haul.
Key Takeaways on the Lara Promotion
Here’s what Braves fans should know about the move:
- Fastball Heat: Lara can consistently hit the high-90s and touch 100 mph, giving Atlanta an elite velocity option.
- Strikeout Weapon: His 31.8% strikeout rate between Double-A and Triple-A makes him a danger to any hitter.
- Control Issues: Nearly 20% of batters faced have reached via walk, creating potential for high pitch counts and rallies.
- Late-Season Strategy: The Braves are using September to test talent and tinker with roster options.
Looking Ahead
Lara’s debut date and role aren’t set yet. Still, the Braves will probably use him when his raw stuff can really pop—think short bursts out of the bullpen.
The team keeps making bold roster moves. It’s obvious they’re all-in on upside, even if that means rolling the dice a bit as October gets closer.
If Lara shows that high-velocity dominance and keeps the walks under control, well, this late-season move could turn into one of the Braves’ most fun storylines as the season winds down.
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