The Atlanta Braves, aiming to ignite their underperforming offense, called up outfielder Alex Verdugo on Thursday and optioned Bryan De La Cruz to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Sitting at the bottom of the NL East with a 5–13 record, the Braves have struggled to generate runs, ranking 26th in MLB with just 61 runs scored. They’ll look for a spark as they begin a home series against the Minnesota Twins on Friday.

Verdugo, 28, signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with Atlanta on March 20 but started the season in the minors due to missing all of spring training. A left-handed hitter and reliable defender, Verdugo hit .233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs for the Yankees last season, following a four-year stint with the Red Sox. He earned $8.7 million in 2024, plus bonuses, before joining Atlanta.

There’s a strong chance Verdugo will see consistent playing time, even after 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. returns from his ACL injury. Acuña, who had surgery last June after tearing his left ACL, is recovering well and could rejoin the lineup in May.

Meanwhile, Bryan De La Cruz heads back to Gwinnett after a slow start to 2025, hitting just .191 over 16 games.