Overview
- The Braves claimed catcher Maverick Handley off waivers and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett after announcing the move on Thursday, May 21, and they transferred right-hander Hurston Waldrep from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list to open a 40-man spot.
- Handley has limited big-league experience — 48 major-league plate appearances with a 3-for-42 line — but has a strong Triple-A track record (.258/.373/.367 last year) and is viewed as a defensively capable, high-walk minor-leaguer.
- Waldrep’s shift to the 60-day IL is procedural because his IL placement was made retroactive to before Opening Day, so the transaction does not meaningfully change his rehab timetable after elbow surgery to remove loose bodies.
- The roster move addresses an acute catching shortage after Drake Baldwin was placed on the injured list with an oblique strain and veteran Sean Murphy remains sidelined with a broken middle finger, leaving the big-league tandem light on offense.
- Handley is expected to provide organizational depth in Triple-A rather than an immediate upgrade to the major-league roster and the Braves may need further moves or promotions depending on Baldwin’s and Murphy’s recovery timelines.