Breaking News: Latest Atlanta Braves’ departure sends shock wave to world Baseball

After a tough loss to the Nationals on Tuesday night, the Atlanta Braves are aiming to bounce back with standout rookie AJ Smith-Shawver taking the mound. But the team’s current road trip to Washington isn’t the only story worth following.

Here’s a look at some Braves news you might have missed—even if you’ve been keeping up with their recent games.

Braves News: Atlanta released Garrett Cooper and Jordan Weems

Like many teams across the league, the Braves are experiencing considerable roster turnover in the minors as players are promoted and reassigned. Unfortunately, that also means some players are let go—such as 1B/OF Garrett Cooper and reliever Jordan Weems.

Cooper, once a consistent nuisance to the Braves during his time with the Marlins, was signed to a minor league deal by Atlanta back in January, likely in part due to that history. Weems had a solid 2023 with the Nationals, but his struggles in 2024 have continued in the minors. With other options available, the Braves chose to release both players, potentially giving them a fresh opportunity elsewhere.

Braves News: Andruw Jones to manage Team Netherlands in WBC

These days, most news involving Andruw Jones tends to center around the Hall of Fame and the ongoing reluctance of some voters to support his induction into Cooperstown. However, Jones has been stepping into the spotlight more recently, and he’s now focused on giving back to his home country of Curaçao by taking on the role of manager for Team Netherlands in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Jones is no stranger to the WBC—he played in the tournament twice and served as the Netherlands’ bench coach in both 2017 and 2023. With the team now in need of a new manager, Jones was a natural choice for the role.

Braves News: Former top Atlanta pitching prospect Lucas Sims signs with the Phillies

At one point, Lucas Sims was seen as a future mainstay in the Braves’ starting rotation. A hometown talent, he was drafted in the first round by Atlanta in 2012 straight out of Brookwood High School. However, as other pitching prospects emerged and Sims continued to struggle with consistency and control, the Braves ultimately transitioned him to a bullpen role and eventually moved on from him.

Following a rollercoaster stint with the Reds, Sims was a free agent this season until he signed a minor league deal with one of Atlanta’s biggest rivals. The Phillies picked him up after reliever José Alvarado was suspended for a drug-related violation.