The Atlanta Braves have found a short-term replacement for the injured Freddie Freeman at first base. The team announced on Saturday that it has acquired first baseman Matt Adams from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for minor league infielder Juan Yepez.
The #Braves have acquired 1B Matt Adams and cash considerations from the Cardinals in exchange for minor-league INF Juan Yepez. pic.twitter.com/gZTlCfafnS
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 20, 2017
Adams, a former starter for the Cardinals, is having a solid 2017 campaign, boasting a .292 average in 48 at-bats. Though, his playing time has taken a hit in 2017. Remember, last season saw Adams hit 16 homers and drive in 54 runs in 69 starts. He’s only started 14 games thus far this season.
With Freeman expected to be out for the next 8-to-10 weeks after suffering a wrist injury earlier in the week, Adams will likely take over as Atlanta’s every-day first baseman.
Yepez is a small price for Atlanta to pay here. He’s was not among the team’s top-30 prospects heading into the season. The 19-year-old infielder from Venezuela was hitting .275 with a homer and 15 RBI in Single-A prior to the trade. He projects as nothing more than a utility guy at the major league level.