The Atlanta Braves have optioned catcher Christian Bethancourt to Triple-A and have promoted catcher Ryan Lavarnway, according to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Bethancourt, 23, has had a rough season so far posting a batting average of .208 with one homer and nine RBIs. The Braves didn’t expect to get much out of his bat since he’s know for his glove, but the past few games he’s struggled in that category too. He cost them a game a few days ago at home against San Diego when he allowed a past ball and had a catcher interference in the same inning, with two runs scoring. The one bright spot from his season so far was his walk off home run against the Pirates on June 6. Bethancourt will most likely be back up once he figures it out in Gwinnett.
Lavarnway, 27, is a career .192 hitter with 5 homers and 34 RBIs in 307 career at-bats. He’s been a back up his entire career and always rotates between Triple-A and the big leagues. Lavarnway is hitting .268 with two homers and eight RBIs in Gwinnett. He will backup A. J. Pierzynski until Bethancourt can figure out and I wouldn’t expect him to stay in the majors long.
