The Atlanta Braves were rumored to have been linked to Rafael Devers before the San Francisco Giants acquired the star in a trade with the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. With Devers headed to the Giants, the Braves shifted gears and announced multiple roster moves on Monday.

“The #Braves today returned OF Stuart Fairchild from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list, and designated OF José Azocar for assignment. Following yesterday’s game, Atlanta returned INF Nacho Alvarez Jr. from his rehabilitation assignment, reinstated him from the injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett,” the Braves announced on X, formerly Twitter.

Fairchild will give the team extra outfield depth. However, Atlanta designated Azocar for assignment with Fairchild set to return. Alvarez was also reinstated from the IL before getting optioned to Triple-A.

Trading for a star such as Devers would have been interesting for Atlanta. The Braves' corner infield positions are already set with Austin Riley and Matt Olson. As a result, Devers likely would have been limited to designated hitter duties in Atlanta.

Article Continues Below
More Atlanta Braves News
Boston Red Sox third base Rafael Devers (11) sits in dugout sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
Atlanta kicked the Rafael Devers tires before Giants tradeYasmin Edañol ·
Atlanta Braves pitcher Dylan Lee (52) and Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (30) shake hands after a victory against the Colorado Rockies at Truist Park.
MLB rumors: What rival GMs think Braves have ‘zero interest’ in doing at trade deadlineJackson Stone ·
image thumbnail
The next star prospect Braves must call up in 2025 MLB seasonChristopher Hennessy ·
Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (56) celebrates with catcher Drake Baldwin (30) after pitching a complete game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.
Braves’ Spencer Schwellenbach strengthens All-Star case with dominant complete gameQuinn Allen ·
Atlanta Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Oracle Park.
Ex-All-Star calls out Braves’ ‘frustrating’ Craig Kimbrel decisionQuinn Allen ·
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale (51) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.
1 trade Atlanta Braves must avoid making before 2025 deadlineCameron Zunkel ·

The Braves could have used the boost, however. Atlanta holds a forgettable 31-39 record. The Braves are in third place in the National League East standings as of this story's writing. Atlanta's chances of bouncing back and making a legitimate postseason run are slim at this point, but anything is possible.

The Giants acquiring Devers hurts the Braves in more ways than simply missing out on the star infielder. If Atlanta is able to rebound and begin playing a quality brand of baseball, they will probably have to settle for contending for an NL Wild Card spot. The Giants, despite playing well, will probably be in a similar position with the Los Angeles Dodgers leading the NL West.

Now that San Francisco has improved, Atlanta will have even more work to do in the NL Wild Card conversation. At the moment, though, the Braves are strictly focused on climbing back to the .500 mark.