Multiple Atlanta Braves prospects could get call when rosters expand

With the minor league season winding down in the next couple weeks, the possibility of a September call-up is close for many in the Atlanta Braves system.

September marks the beginning of expanded rosters for major league teams. It offers organizations the chance to add top prospects to the roster to get their feet wet on a major league field, or simply to be around a major league clubhouse for a month.

It also means mid-level prospects can offer depth to teams that need it after a long season.

To be added to the expanded roster in September, a player must be on the 40-man roster. That means Braves prospects like Rio Ruiz, Lucas Sims and Ozzie Albies must be added to the 40-man roster before getting called to Atlanta after the minor league season.

Calling up Albies has been a hot topic of discussion in the second half. His double play partner, Dansby Swanson, was recently promoted to the Braves from Double-A Mississippi, leaving the 19-year-old Albies in the Southern League with a .328 average for that level. It’s possible Albies could get a call in September, but it’s not a necessary move considering his age.

Ruiz seems a more likely candidate after playing all season with Triple-A Gwinnett and holding his own. The 22-year-old third baseman is hitting .268 with 28 extra-base hits in 116 games. He lacks the in-game power to be an impact hitter, but there could be enough in the bat to come off the bench or platoon as a left-handed hitter.

Sims could get called up to simply sit in the Braves bullpen and soak in the experience. The 22-year-old right-hander has had an inconsistent season between struggling mightily for Gwinnett and succeeding with Mississippi. His realistic future remains in the bullpen as a high-leverage reliever with a hard fastball and deep curveball.

The Braves have a few pitchers to choose from to round out their September bullpen. Brandon Cunniff, Jason Hursh, Casey Kelly, Akeel Morris and Shae Simmons could all see time in Atlanta next month.

There are fewer possibilities for position players, but Daniel Castro and Kyle Kubitza could get a call to come off the bench occasionally down the stretch.