The Braves promoted Jose Bautista to join the team for Friday’s series opener against the Giants, a person familiar with the situation confirmed.
Bautista, 37, hit .400 (6-for-15) with a home run and four RBIs in the past five games. He hit .246 across 12 minor-league games after signing with the Braves on April 12.
With Dansby Swanson ailing and Ryan Flaherty cooled off from his hot start, Bautista’s arrival is well-timed. He’ll likely start at third base, with Flaherty in a utility role and Johan Camargo temporarily filling in for Swanson at shortstop.
There’s no indication Swanson will need time on the disabled list.
The Braves hope Bautista will provide right-handed power behind Freddie Freeman. Surprising pop has helped fuel the Braves’ 19-11 start, but Bautista, in theory, upgrades the offense from a slugging standpoint. He’s hit 20-plus home runs in eight consecutive seasons.
