BREAKING: Braves option Dylan Dodd back to AAA Gwinnett

The Braves have recalled Dereck Rodríguez to Atlanta in a corresponding move

The Atlanta Braves have sent LHP Dylan Dodd back to AAA Gwinnett, the team announced on Saturday morning.

The #Braves today recalled RHP Dereck Rodríguez to Atlanta and optioned LHP Dylan Dodd to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 27, 2023

Dodd, 24, is 2-1 with a 6.64 ERA in his four starts at the major league level. Being called up for last night's matchup against the Phillies, he went five inning with seven his and four runs allowed (including two homers), striking out three and walking one. 

It's the 2nd-worst start of the four that he's made in Atlanta, with his April 9th start against the Padres (4.1 IP, 10H, 7R, 1BB to 3Ks) being the only one with more runs allowed. 

The Braves were hoping that Dodd would take a leap similar to that of Jared Shuster, who was also shaky to start the season but has rebounded to give Atlanta three straight starts of three or less runs, including a six inning outing against Seattle last weekend where he allowed only one hit and one run, striking out seven. 

In the meantime, the call-up of Dereck Rodríguez, who was claimed off of waiver on May 15th from the Minnesota Twins, isn't necessarily an indication that they'll use him as a starter. He was primarily a reliever in Minnesota, and his three innings in Gwinnett since being claimed have all been in relief. Atlanta won't need a 5th starter until next Tuesday in Oakland, and with an off-day on Thursday the 1st, they could very well go bullpen game against the hapless Athletics. 

Of course, Michael Soroka looked pretty good in Gwinnett on Tuesday, but it's unknown whether Atlanta's ready to call him up since their stated goal is for him to be ready to stay in Atlanta once finally making his way back to the majors after almost three years away.

Either way, Dylan Dodd can't come back up to make that Tuesday start unless there is an injury in Atlanta, as optioned pitchers can't come back up for fifteen days unless replacing an injured player or serving as the designated 27th man in a doubleheader. 

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