Report: Kyle Farmer, pitching prospect to be called up to Braves when rosters expand

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Atlanta Braves are expected to add veteran infielder Kyle Farmer and pitching prospect Blake Burkhalter when rosters expand Tuesday, according to reports.

Farmer and Burkhalter were in Atlanta’s clubhouse before Monday’s game against the San Francisco Giants as part of the taxi squad.

Farmer, 36, made the Braves’ Opening Day roster after spring training and recorded four hits in 15 at-bats while essentially being a clubhouse personality. He battled a strained right forearm for nearly three months before being released by the team, but rejoined the organization on a minor league contract and has since played for Triple-A Gwinnett.

With Jorge Mateo traded to Tampa Bay and Jim Jarvis demoted to Triple-A, Farmer could provide the Braves with additional infield depth as Mauricio Dubon and Ha-Seong Kim split time at shortstop.

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Burkhalter, Atlanta’s No. 15 prospect, has posted a 1.48 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in 16 appearances with Triple-A Gwinnett this season. The 25-year-old, who turns 26 in a few weeks, was selected by the Braves in the second round of the 2022 draft. After overcoming injuries early in his professional career, he has emerged as an effective reliever, recording a 1.26 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 35.2 innings, or 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings, this season.

Burkhalter could give Atlanta another option in the bullpen during the stretch run. Braves relievers have combined for a 3.39 ERA this season, the fourth-best mark in the majors, but September’s expanded rosters provide an opportunity to add depth and potentially find another dependable late-season contributor.

After Monday’s game against San Francisco, Atlanta will travel to Washington for a two-game series against the Nationals before heading to Philadelphia for four games against the Phillies.