Atlanta Braves Release Jorge Mateo
· Yahoo Sports
The Atlanta Braves have parted ways with shortstop Jorge Mateo following the team's series against the New York Yankees.
The decision came after Atlanta designated Mateo for assignment last week to create roster space for fellow infielder Ha-Seong Kim who made his return to the ball club after a stint on the 10-day injured list to recover from a lingering finger issue that resulted in him undergoing surgery in January.
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This season, Mateo has batted .240 while recording a .665 OPS and .285 on-base percentage. Additionally, he has logged 31 hits and 11 RBI while hitting four home runs across 67 games of action.
Prior to joining Atlanta this season, Mateo played for the Baltimore Orioles who claimed him off waivers in 2021 from the San Diego Padres whom he made his big-league debut with in 2020.
During Mateo's final season as an Oriole in 2025, he hit below the Mendoza line at .177 while recording 14 hits and three RBI.
Mateo would also launch his lone home run that season during Baltimore's 4-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on May 31, pouncing on an 87-mph cutter for a two-run shot to right center that put the Orioles ahead 4-1 in the fifth inning.
Mateo's stint with San Diego ended in a similar fashion with him batting .207 and tallying 18 hits, six RBI and two home runs. Those figures would still be an improvement from his rookie season in which he hit a career-low .154 and logged just four hits, two RBI, one walk and a .185 on-base percentage.
Nonetheless, Mateo's recent resurgence at the plate during his limited time with the Braves should garner him a spot with another team at some point this season. He has had a decent defensive track record as well.
Moreover, the Braves have battled through injuries all season and there is the possibility that they could end up bringing back Mateo on a minor-league deal for added insurance in the event Kim or any one of their other infielders were to go down.
For now, the inner part of the diamond will belong to Kim as well as Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Jim Jarvis. Olson has been having one of the better seasons out of everyone in the group, leading the Braves with 34 home runs and 72 RBI.
While Mateo waits for his next opportunity, Atlanta will have their sights set on a three-game series against the NL East rival New York Mets with right-hander Bryce Elder taking the mound in tonight's opener.