Loss of Joe Mather doesn't hurt the Braves

The Atlanta Braves have lost outfielder Joe Mather to free agency after he opted to test the market instead of being sent back to Triple-A by the team for a second time this year. Mather will try to catch on with another team, but with a sudden glut of outfielders in Atlanta the Braves did not need the tall, versatile bench player anymore.

Mather had the right to claim free agent status since the Braves had already optioned him to the minors once this year. The 28-year old backup outfielder was sent down a second time since centerfielder Nate McLouth has come off the disabled list and Atlanta has decided to keep rookie backup outfielder Wilkin Ramirez with the team.

Braves not hurt by the loss of Joe Mather