Another game, another Brave exits with an injury. This time it was the newly acquired Francisco Cervelli, who pulled up while rounding third on a ball to the right-center field gap. He immediately left the game, but the strain was deemed not severe after some tests. It’s unlikely he will have to spend time on the IL, and the Braves consider him day-to-day.
Snitker on Cervelli: “He strained his quad. We didn’t want to take any chances. They’ll treat him up tomorrow and we’ll look at him on Friday…. He tested strong with the doctors and it was good that we erred on the side of caution with that one.”
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 29, 2019
That’s fantastic news considering Brian McCann is currently on the 10-day IL, and Tyler Flowers has arguably been the worst defensive catcher all season. In his last two games prior to tonight, Cervelli has five hits in nine at-bats, including three doubles. He walked in his only plate appearance on Wednesday.
Speaking of Brian McCann, Snitker gave us a little insight into the plan when it comes to getting him back on the field. McCann will not play any rehab games, which makes sense given his age and injury history.
#Braves' Snitker on if McCann will need any rehab games when ready to play: “I doubt it, quite honestly. It’s almost like with him, if he’s ready I hate to risk him going out and playing (in minor league games).” (Eligible to come off IL Saturday; no word on if he'll be ready)
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 29, 2019
As David O’Brien said, the Braves can re-activate Brian McCann on Saturday, which is August 31st. Given the rosters expand on September 1st, a realistic target date for McCann to return is September 2nd at home against the Blue Jays – providing everything is healing properly.
We will see over the next two days if the Braves will have to add a catcher to their roster because of the injury to Cervelli. Alex Jackson would likely receive the call in his place.