Transaction: Braves call up Jackson Stephens

Allan Winans is optioned to AAA Gwinnett, but Kyle Wright is with the team in Philly and all indications are that he'll start game two with Stephens provide length out of the pen

The Atlanta Braves have announced that they have called up RHP Jackson Stephens to the active roster, optioning Sunday starter Allan Winans back to the minors. 

The #Braves today selected the contract of RHP Jackson Stephens after optioning RHP Allan Winans to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday’s game. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta transferred RHP Michael Soroka to 60-day injured list.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 11, 2023

Winans is now ineligible to return to the majors for 15 days (unless he replaces an injured player), ruling him out of a start this upcoming weekend in Miami. 

Stephens, 29, made his return to MLB last season for Atlanta after a four-year absence. He pitched in 39 games for the Braves, including making one appearance as an opener, and covered 53.2 innings with a 3-3 record and a 3.69 ERA. 

He missed time late last season with a concussion and has dealt with various injuries this season, missing all of April and May while with AAA Gwinnett. He's since built back up through rookie ball and High-A, returning to Gwinnett in late July and going 1-1 with a 3.28 ERA in his 24.2 innings. 

To make room for Stephens on the 40-man roster, Michael Soroka was transferred to the 60-Day Injured List, officially ending his season. 

All indications are that Stephens is on the roster for bullpen depth and to cover some innings today, and Kyle Wright, who traveled with the team, is still presumed to be the starter for game two if needed. The Braves have not yet officially announced their game two starter, but the Braves traveling media reports Wright is the primary candidate to be activated for the start. 

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