Braves Release Aaron Bummer, Put Drake Baldwin On IL

Key Points:

• The Atlanta Braves have released left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer and placed catcher Drake Baldwin on the 10-day injured list due to an oblique strain, while activating Dylan Dodd and recalling Victor Mederos.
• Baldwin, a 2025 NL Rookie of the Year and an MVP-caliber hitter in 2026, is facing a significant setback as he has been a key offensive and defensive player for the Braves, with no timetable yet announced for his return.
• With Baldwin and veteran Sean Murphy both injured, the Braves’ catching duties will fall to Chadwick Tromp and Sandy León, both of whom have limited offensive production compared to Baldwin’s high-level performance.
• Bummer struggled throughout the 2026 season with a 7.63 ERA and declining velocity, leading to his release after a poor outing; he was owed $9.5 million this season under a contract the Braves will largely still have to pay despite his departure.
• The Braves face challenges both on the mound and at catcher as they adjust to these roster changes, with manager Walt Weiss expected to provide further updates ahead of their next game against the Marlins.