Charlie Culberson is back in the Braves organization.
The club signed Culberson to a minor-league deal, according to the transactions log on the team’s website.
On Sunday, Culberson elected free agency instead of accepting the outright assignment to Triple-A Gwinnett after he cleared waivers.
He found his way back to the Braves.
Culberson lives in Marietta, so this is a good situation for him. Braves manager Brian Snitker on Monday saw Culberson in the clubhouse. Culberson was grabbing his stuff. The two talked for the first time since before the Braves departed for Philadelphia.
“I think he’s getting to see some things – his son play – that a lot of us miss, so that’s great that he can do that, continue his career living at home,” Snitker said. “That’s awesome for him. He’s another one that everybody thinks the world of, loves because of the person. I’m glad he decided to come back.”
On June 18, the Braves designated Culberson for assignment to bring up catcher Chadwick Tromp. They needed Tromp because Sean Murphy tweaked his hamstring the day before, but didn’t go on the injured list. Thus, the Braves wanted a healthy backup catcher.
They still have three catchers on the roster. Murphy was in the lineup Tuesday as the Braves’ catcher, and Snitker said the team hoped Murphy’s start would prove he’s fully healthy. If it does, the Braves probably will make a move to get a utility infielder back on the roster.
It could be Culberson, but the Braves also could go with Luke Williams. Culberson isn’t on the 40-man roster, but the Braves have an open 40-man roster spot that he could fill when they want to bring up someone.
Had Culberson accepted the outright assignment, he would’ve had to spend 10 days in the minors, as is the rule, before the Braves could recall him. But because he elected free agency and signed a minor-league deal, he is not subject to that 10-day rule.
Chavez going through ‘slow process’
Jesse Chavez feels better, Snitker said.
But it doesn’t seem like he’s close to a return.
“He’s able to play some catch, I think,” Snitker said. “But it’s still kind of a slow process.”
Chavez is eligible to come off the 15-day injured list Friday, but it doesn’t appear like he’ll return that soon.
Earlier this month in Detroit, Miguel Cabrera hit a comebacker that struck Chavez on the shin.
Fried, Wright continue throwing programs
Max Fried felt good after Monday’s bullpen session.
“Everything went really good,” Snitker said.
Fried’s next step, Snitker said, would be facing hitters a couple of times before heading out on a rehab assignment. Snitker said he didn’t know the days, but that it could be sometime this week and next.
Kyle Wright, recently cleared to begin his throwing program, is in the stages of long toss, Snitker said.
