In a move that has the baseball world buzzing, the Atlanta Braves have announced the call-up of right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton, a native of Bluff City, Tennessee. The promotion comes less than two weeks before the highly anticipated MLB Speedway Classic ’25, where the Braves are set to face the Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 2nd.Stratton, affectionately known as “Bluff City Stratton” due to his roots in the small Tennessee town, was acquired by the Braves from the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this season. While he has seen limited big-league action this year, primarily pitching for Triple-A Indianapolis where he posted a 3.65 ERA in 21 relief appearances, his recent call-up suggests the Braves see him as a valuable asset, particularly with the unique Speedway Classic on the horizon.The 2025 MLB Speedway Classic will be a historic event, marking the first regular-season Major League Baseball game ever played in the state of Tennessee. The game will take place on a specially constructed field within the infield of the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway, known for its high-banked, half-mile oval and massive stadium-style seating. Both the Braves and Reds will wear special NASCAR-inspired uniforms for the event, adding to the unique atmosphere.For Stratton, a Bristol native who played his professional debut with the Bristol Pirates in the Rookie-level Appalachian League, this call-up could provide a homecoming opportunity to pitch in front of a familiar crowd on an unprecedented stage. His presence on the roster adds an intriguing local storyline to an already highly anticipated event that blends the worlds of baseball and motorsports.The Braves and Reds will play a two-game series in Cincinnati on July 31st and August 1st before heading to Bristol for the Speedway Classic finale on August 2nd. All eyes will be on Stratton to see if he gets the chance to make his mark in this landmarkgame.
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