The Atlanta Braves acquired Ward from the Nationals in exchange for Luis Atilano, a right-handed pitcher who was the club’s first-round selection in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft.
Ward hit .308 with six homers and 19 RBIs in 104 at-bats with the Nationals this year. In 47 pinch-hit appearances, he hit .298 with three homers and 10 RBIs.
The left-handed-hitting Ward will likely be primarily used in pinch-hit roles against right-handed pitchers, against whom he’s hit .341 (31-for-91) this year. In 12 at-bats against left-handers, he’s recorded just one hit.
The Nationals are well aware of the fact that Atilano is rehabbing from ligament-replacement surgery. In 19 appearances (18 starts) with Class A Myrtle Beach this year, the 21-year-old right-hander was 6-7 with a 4.50 ERA. He was disabled after his July 24 start.”
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