The Atlanta Braves have called up a former Auburn star ahead of their late-season postseason push.
The Atlanta Braves announced Tuesday that former Auburn closer Blake Burkhalter has been called up from AAA Gwinnett and is now on its 40-man roster. Infielder Kyle Farmer was also called up as part of the move, while pitcher Robert Suarez has been moved to the 60-day injured list.
The Braves called up Burkhalter in hopes of him becoming a quality bullpen piece with just over a month left in the season. He fits the credentials after posting a 1.26 ERA in 35 2/3 innings of work with 46 strikeouts over 26 games with four teams in the Braves organization, including the Columbus Clingstones and the Gwinnett Stripers. In August, Burkhalter allowed just four earned
runs while striking out 19 batters. In nine August appearances, Burkhalter struck out at least one batter in every outing and turned in a scoreless effort seven times.
Burkhalter becomes the 65th player in Auburn baseball history to reach the highest stage of Major League Baseball, and the 14th since the 2020 season, joining the likes of Casey Mize, Ryan Bliss, and Edouard Julien. Burkhalter became a household name during Auburn's 2022 College World Series run when he logged 16 saves, which was second-most in college baseball that season behind Texas State's Tristan Stivors, who saved 18 games.
He was a part of a pitcher-heavy draft class from Auburn in 2022, joining starters Mason Barnett and Trace Bright, as well as infielders Sonny DiChiara, Brody Moore, and Blake Rambusch. Burkhalter was Auburn's highest draft pick that season, selected No. 76 overall by the Braves.
Burkhalter will join the Braves roster in Washington for the upcoming series with the Nationals, beginning Tuesday at Nationals Park.
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Atlanta Braves call up former Auburn standout ahead of playoff push
