Brandon Lockridge (knee) begins rehab assignment

The Braves wanted to add an outfielder who could start against lefties, and Thomas fits nicely there, as long as they don’t get overexcited and start using him versus righties, too. Thomas has an .800 OPS against lefties and a .660 OPS against righties this year. For his career, he’s at .850 against lefties and .669 versus righties. The Braves didn’t have to part with any top prospects, so it’s a solid pickup. With Thomas in the mix, the Braves might move on from Eli White. Isaac Collins and Josh Rojas should get more time in Kansas City with Thomas out of the mix.

The Braves might see something here to think Falter will be useful down the stretch, but we’re guessing he’s mostly in the deal for salary purposes, as the Royals get to shed the rest of the $3.6 million he’s making this year. Falter had a 13.97 ERA in two starts and three relief appearances before getting dropped from the Royals’ roster in May. He’s since posted a 3.35 ERA in seven starts and 10 relief appearances for Omaha. He’d been working as a starter of late and had a 3.07 ERA in July, though that came with a 10/11 K/BB in 14 2/3 innings.

Holton was a second-rounder out of Vanderbilt two years ago. He needed Tommy John almost immediately after signing, but he’s returned to post a 4.32 ERA in 41 2/3 innings in the low minors this year. He’s a project, but he’s one with a fair amount of upside. Even if his command doesn’t develop sufficiently for him to make it as a starter, he’d have a good chance of turning into an asset out of the pen.

Braun, a sixth-rounder in 2023, has a 3.53 ERA and an 82/27 K/BB in 94 1/3 innings as a starter between Double- and Triple-A this year. His stuff is pretty average, and it’s hard to project him as more than a fifth starter or swingman. Still, he might be a candidate to make some starts for the Royals before the end of the season.

Harper hit a ground-rule double in the fourth inning, a single in the sixth inning and walked and scored in the eighth inning. He has hits in his last six games and is 7-for-23 (.304( with four walks in that time. Harper is hitting .254 with an .850 OPS and 65 RBI.

Kim has been out of action since the start of July due to inflammation in his right middle finger. The Braves will need to make room on the active roster for Kim, but considering how terrible he’s been at the plate this year, it’s also feasible he’s a candidate to be designated for assignment or traded.

Smith has been one of the breakout prospects of 2026, as the former sixth-round pick has hit 22 homers while forging a 1.037 OPS while reaching Double-A. There are defensive questions with Smith — and it’s worth noting that he’s a player that turns 24 in November — but there’s enough offensive upside to suggest he could be a regular in a year or two. He’s worth monitoring in dynasty/keeper formats, at least.

Baz gave up six hits, walked one and struck out four. He fell to 4-10 with the loss. The only run Baz gave up came on a two-out single to Bryan De La Cruz in the fifth inning. Still, with no run support, the 27-year-old right-hander took the loss. Baz has a 3.86 ERA. He’s lined up to face the Rangers on the road next Friday.

Jones has yet to play in the majors this year, and has an .807 OPS with 11 steals and 14 homers in his time with Triple-A Charlotte. The 28-year-old once showed immense promise and put together one fantastic season while a member of the Rockies, but he’s just organizational depth at this stage. It’s hard to see a regular role even if Seattle continues to churn players before the deadline.