The Braves recalled catcher William Contreras from Triple-A Gwinnett to replace veteran backstop Stephen Vogt, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with right-hip inflammation.
Vogt left Thursday’s game in the seventh inning with the injury. Manager Brian Snitker said Vogt’s hip popped as he tried to make a throw after retrieving a wild pitch.
Contreras assumed the role as Travis d’Arnaud’s backup. The 23-year-old, who handled regular catching duties for a period after d’Arnaud suffered an injury in May, has appeared in two major-league games since July 6.
In 46 games overall, Contreras has hit .196/.277/.372 with three doubles, seven homers and 21 RBIs. He’s had issues behind the plate keeping the ball in front of him. But it was his batting struggles that led to his demotion in July, when the Braves decided it would be better to let Contreras work through his growing pains in Triple-A. He hit .173 with 25 strikeouts in 75 at-bats over a 23-game stretch leading to his demotion.
With d’Arnaud back, and Vogt behind him, the Braves’ months-long catcher carousel had finally paused until Thursday’s injury. Contreras otherwise wasn’t expected to log more work in the majors this season because the Triple-A campaign, which started a month late, will run until early October. That would’ve allowed Contreras to continue his every-day work instead of spelling d’Arnaud in the majors.
The Braves re-signed d’Arnaud to a two-year deal in August. The agreement not only retained their primary catcher during a contention window but also afforded them patience with Contreras and Shea Langeliers, the organization’s other premier young backstop.
The team’s current catching arrangement could be a preview of next season, when the Braves might opt for a d’Arnaud-Contreras duo. That situation would present the same problem it did this season, however, in that Contreras wouldn’t be playing every day. Langeliers is at Double-A Mississippi and isn’t far from joining the mix as well.
Entering Friday, the Braves held a 3-1/2 game lead over the Phillies in the National League East. They’re also healthier than they’ve been all season, with just Vogt and relievers Chris Martin and Josh Tomlin as role players sidelined entering the final 23-game stretch.
