TRANSACTION: Braves option Ben Heller to AAA Gwinnett

Charlie Culberson was also outrighted to Gwinnett after being DFA'd on Monday

After today's game, the Atlanta Braves announced that they have optioned RHP Ben Heller to AAA Gwinnett.

The #Braves today optioned RHP Ben Heller to Triple-A Gwinnett following this afternoon’s game, and also outrighted INF Charlie Culberson to the Stripers.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 2, 2023

Heller, 32, has been a revelation for Atlanta this season after being claimed from the Tampa Bay Rays in early June. He's made 16 appearances with a 4.40 ERA in 14.1 innings, being credited with four holds and one blown save, against Arizona on July 18th. He hasn't pitched since July 28th, though, when he gave up three runs on two hits and two walks in a third of an inning against Milwaukee. 

The move allows Atlanta to clear a roster spot for Max Fried, who is scheduled to be activated for the series opening start on Friday against the Cubs. 

The other part of the announcement was that infielder Charlie Culberson, who was designated for assignment on Sunday after Atlanta traded for Kansas City infielder Nicky Lopez, has cleared waivers and was outrighted to Gwinnett. The fan favorite will stay with the organization and is just a call away if the need arises. 

Culberson, 34, had been the primary backup infielder for Atlanta for much of this season, spending over a month on the active roster without getting an inning in the field or an at-bat. He saw his only MLB action of the season on July 16th against the White Sox, hitting a single in a 9th inning pinch-hit appearance. 

The 40-man roster officially stands at 39, and Fried will be the 40th man once activated on Friday. 

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