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• By Ben Stinar

• Updated May 22, 2026 at 3:32pm

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 17: Jose Azocar #38 of the Atlanta Braves makes a diving catch during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on May 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

On Friday night, the Atlanta Braves will open up a series with the Washington Nationals at Truist Park.

They are coming off a series (in Miami) where they took three out of four from the Marlins.

Recently, the team designated José Azócar for assignment.

The Braves wrote (via X) on May 20: “The #Braves today reinstated OF Eli White from the injured list and designated OF José Azócar for assignment.”

Atlanta Braves Officially Becomes A Free Agent

GettyJosé Azócar #38 of the Atlanta Braves hits a single in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Truist Park on May 13, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

After going unclaimed on waivers, Azócar is now a free agent (who is available to sign with any team in the league).

Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game wrote: “OF José Azócar went unclaimed after being designated for assignment. The #Braves outrighted him to Triple-A Gwinnett and he elected free agency. Could return on another minor league deal.”

Azócar had been batting .333 with five hits, one run and one stolen base in nine games this season.

Social Media Reacts

GettyJosé Azócar #38 of the Atlanta Braves hits a single in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Truist Park on May 13, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Here’s what people were saying about the news on social media:

@CrosbyBaseball: “NEWS: The Braves outrighted Josè Azocar to Gwinnett, meaning he cleared waivers, and he elected free agency. Doesn’t preclude him from signing with the Braves on another minor league deal”

@reactiveraichu: “I’m honestly shocked he cleared waivers I expected someone to get him”