Braves Sign Skye Bolt To Minor League Deal
The Braves recently signed outfielder Skye Bolt to a minor league contract. He made his Spring Training debut as a defensive replacement in today’s exhibition matchup with the Tigers.
Bolt, 30, is looking to get back to the majors for the first time since 2022. The North Carolina product appeared in parts of three big league campaigns with the two Bay Area franchises between 2019-22. Bolt saw the majority of his action with the A’s in the final of those seasons, hitting .198/.259/.330 over 42 games. He carries a .156/.205/.266 batting line over 187 big league plate appearances overall.
As one would expect, Bolt has turned in better numbers in Triple-A. The switch-hitter owns a .298/.388/.483 slash over four seasons at that level. That has mostly come in favorable hitting environments in the Pacific Coast League. He wasn’t as effective with Milwaukee’s top farm team a year ago, posting a .257/.359/.367 line in 64 contests.
Bolt has above-average speed befitting his name. He’s capable of playing all three outfield positions and has generally drawn a decent number of walks in the minors, albeit without much power. It’s very unlikely he snags an Opening Day roster spot, but he’ll add a depth option at Triple-A Gwinnett.
Atlanta’s starting outfield of Jarred Kelenic, Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuña Jr. is entrenched, yet their top depth options are light on MLB experience. Forrest Wall and J.P. Martínez, the other outfielders on the 40-man roster, have combined for 32 big league games. The Braves have added a handful of non-roster players to potentially push for a fourth outfield role. Leury García, Jordan Luplow, Eli White, Luis Liberato and Luke Williams are all in big league camp.
Braves share big update on Ronald Acuña Jr’s knee injury
Aug 18, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) runs to the dugout to change gloves against the San Francisco Giants in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Braves fans can exhale some with Ronald Acuña Jr’s health.
The Braves announced Tuesday that the reigning NL MVP Acuña recently saw Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who confirmed Acuña is dealing with meniscus irritation in his right knee. Acuña is now set to gradually increase baseball activities and is expected to be ready for Opening Day on March 28, the team adds.
The news was confirmed by Acuña himself, who said Tuesday that he was feeling fine and even started joking around with reporters about his knee.
Acuña was recently scratched from a spring game due to knee soreness and had to undergo testing, which revealed the meniscus irritation. Of particular concern was that the irritation is to the same knee where Acuña suffered a torn ACL that cost him all of the 2021 season.
Ronald Acuña Jr. approached us today leaning on his bat as if it were a cane and then cracked a big smile and started walking normally. He feels fine and wishes he could play today. pic.twitter.com/e5H3vs9S8V
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) March 5, 2024
It is definitely good news, though, that Acuña is not dealing with a more serious issue. While the meniscus irritation may still have to be managed throughout the year (especially since he relies on speed on the basepaths and range in the outfield), the Braves have one less thing to worry about amid a roster full of injury risks.
