The Braves cleared two spots on the 40-man roster on Thursday as they sent right-handed pitcher Ian Anderson to Gwinnett and saw outfielder Bryan De La Cruz be claimed by the Yankees.
The #Braves today outrighted RHP Ian Anderson to Triple-A Gwinnett. Additionally, OF Bryan De La Cruz was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 1, 2025
Anderson was out of minor league options this spring, which led to a trade to the Angels, who would DFA the former postseason hero after just a few bullpen appearances that did not go well. The Braves claimed Anderson off waivers on Sunday and then promptly DFA’d him on Tuesday to make room for AJ Smith-Shawver. Now that Anderson has cleared waivers, he has the much-desired minor league flexibility to continue working back from elbow surgery in Gwinnett.
As for De La Cruz, the veteran outfielder departs for New York after a disappointing audition with Atlanta. With Alex Verdugo and Eli White currently performing well — in addition to Ronald Acuña Jr.’s pending return — it was hard to see much of a role for De La Cruz anytime soon. The Braves attempted to sneak him through waivers to keep him in the organization, although the Yankees apparently liked him enough to take a chance.
The 40-man roster now sits at 38.
