Braves retain utilityman Flaherty

MIAMI — The Braves retained utilityman Ryan Flaherty and outrighted him to Triple-A Gwinnett after the veteran cleared waivers.

“I’m very happy,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s meant a lot to us. He’s brought a lot to this team. He was good for us in the beginning. He’s a great guy in that clubhouse. They loved him. He was a great teammate, ultimate pro. So if you can keep guys like that around, that’s a good thing.”

Flaherty was designated for assignment Monday to open a spot for starter Bryse Wilson. He was in his first season with the Braves after spending 2012-17 with the Orioles.

Flaherty slashed .222/.298/.301 across 76 games for the Braves. He opened the season as the starting third baseman just days after joining the club. The Phillies released Flaherty after he didn’t make the team in spring training.

He had the best month of his career in April, leading the National League with a .362 average entering April 23. His performance dropped off as his playing time lessened because of a combination of factors, including a healthy Johan Camargo and the brief Jose Bautista flier.

Flaherty played in only 10 games in July, collecting one hit in 11 at-bats. He didn’t have a base hit in his past 17 games, dating to July 7.

But the Braves hope consistent playing time willhelp. Flaherty, a brother-in-law of Nick Markakis, is well-received in the clubhouse and could return when rosters expand Sept. 1.

“I’m glad he can go down and play,” manager Brian Snitker said. “I said, ‘I’m the reason you’re rusty. I hadn’t played you.’ So I’m glad he’s down there playing. And if something happens, you need him, then he’ll be game-ready.”