Braves' Soler added to NLCS roster, available for Game 5
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler is available for Game 5 of the National League Championship Series after being cleared to return from the COVID-19 related injured list by Major League Baseball's joint committee, the team announced Thursday.
The 29-year-old is not in the Braves' starting lineup for Game 5. Manager Brian Snitker said he'll only utilize Soler off the bench for the remainder of the series.
Snitker on Soler: “That’s a great weapon off the bench.” Said that’ll be his role rest of NLCS.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 21, 2021
Soler has worked out on his own, could be ready to return to lineup if they advance, as he would have a chance to get some live BP or sim-game work in coming days.
Soler was left off the NLCS roster after testing positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 12. He was required to miss a minimum of five days.
The 2019 AL home run champion played well for the Braves after the team acquired him from the Kansas City Royals in July. He hit .269/.358/.524 with 14 home runs, 11 doubles, and 33 RBIs in 55 games for Atlanta.
However, he struggled in the division series against the Milwaukee Brewers, going 1-for-11 with a double in three games.
The Braves removed Cristian Pache from the NLCS roster to make room for Soler.