The Atlanta Braves lost their weekend series against the Milwaukee Brewers but secured a win on Sunday night in the Little League Classic.
It won’t get much easier from here, as Atlanta will begin a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. Los Angeles currently has the second-best record in the National League behind Milwaukee.
Ahead of that series, the Braves announced several roster moves within their organization Monday morning via the MiLB.com transaction page.
Braves Release 6-Foot-8 Pitcher
The Braves made their most notable move by outright releasing 24-year-old right-handed pitcher Jacob Schafer, whom they drafted out of UNC Wilmington in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Schafer was with the Braves’ High-A affiliate, the Rome Emperors, and stands at a remarkable 6-foot-8 while weighing 240 pounds.
With the 521st overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Atlanta Braves select Jacob Shafer (‘23 & ‘24). Congratulations Jacob! #HeyCotuit | #ForeverAKett pic.twitter.com/mXLqJTpBRU
— Cotuit Kettleers (@CotuitKettleers) July 16, 2024
Atlanta’s organization also announced that it had optioned 30-year-old right fielder Brewer Hicklen to the Gwinnett Stripers.
Shafer’s Professional Career
While Shafer still has plenty of potential thanks to his size and skill set, he struggled during his appearances in the minors this season.
He primarily worked as a starter in college, but the Braves moved him to the bullpen with the Emperors this season.
Shafer went 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA across 26 games and 42.0 innings. He allowed 49 hits, including nine home runs, while walking 39 and striking out 38 batters.
His best professional season came in 2025, when he pitched for two teams and went 3-1 with a 2.42 ERA across 11 appearances. He made nine starts over 44.2 innings, striking out 33 batters while issuing just 19 walks.
Over his career, Shafer owns a 4.81 ERA across 42 appearances, including 14 starts. He’s recorded 95 strikeouts and a 1.52 WHIP over 106.2 career innings.
Atlanta Braves Release 6-Foot-8 Pitcher Before Dodgers Series