The Atlanta Braves made a corresponding move after Joe Jimenez was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
The Atlanta Braves made another roster adjustment as spring training continues, addressing infield depth while also confirming a significant injury development in their bullpen. With the regular season approaching, the club is juggling health concerns and bench competition at the same time.
The move comes as the Braves work to solidify their roster following multiple injury setbacks. Depth has become increasingly important, especially with key contributors already expected to miss time. That urgency showed up in a transaction announced by the team on social media this past week.
“The #Braves today acquired INF Brett Wisely from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations and placed RHP Joe Jimenez on the 60‑day injured list with a left articular cartilage injury,” the Braves wrote on X.
The placement of Jimenez on the 60‑day injured list is the more significant long‑term development. The veteran right‑hander missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing knee surgery and now faces another extended absence. Because of the 60‑day designation, he will not be eligible to return until at least late May.
In 2024, his last active season, Jimenez was one of Atlanta’s most reliable relievers, posting a 2.62 ERA with 82 strikeouts across 68 2/3 innings. His ability to miss bats and handle high‑leverage innings made him a key part of the bullpen structure.
Without him, the Braves must reshuffle late‑inning roles and lean more heavily on their remaining relief options. The injury also created a 40‑man roster opening, which facilitated the trade.
The player acquired, Brett Wisely, gives Atlanta a versatile left‑handed infield option. In 2025, Wisely appeared briefly for the Braves late in the season, going 0 for 6 with 3 walks in 4 games. The bulk of his big‑league experience has come with San Francisco, where he has hit .217 with a .263 on‑base percentage and a .324 slugging percentage over 164 games, totaling 7 home runs.
Primarily a second baseman, Wisely has also logged innings at shortstop and in the outfield. His defensive flexibility is valuable, particularly with injuries already impacting the Braves’ roster. However, he is out of minor league options, meaning Atlanta must keep him on the active roster or risk losing him.
This trade underscores how quickly roster dynamics can change in spring training. Jimenez’s setback is a blow to the bullpen, while Wisely’s return provides immediate depth and competition on the infield bench. As the Braves navigate early season injuries, both moves could shape how the roster looks on Opening Day and beyond.