When the Atlanta Braves recalled utility infielder Charlie Culberson on May 19, the team’s game-operations crew evidently thought this latest stint with the team would last longer than four weeks.
It didn’t quite work out that way, which made for an awkward, last-minute change to the Father’s Day festivities at Truist Park.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Culberson’s dad was scheduled to throw out the first pitch to Charlie — a Georgia native. But just hours before the game, Culberson was designated for assignment in order to make way for catcher Chadwick Tromp with Sean Murphy hoping to avoid an IL stint. That obviously meant that the Braves were also forced to make a quick change to the first pitch duties.
No way 💀 pic.twitter.com/HmUR7I56nI
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 18, 2023
Ouch.
The Braves were able to bring in Michael Harris II’s dad to throw out the first pitch to the Braves center fielder. And honestly, out of the Braves players from the Atlanta area (Harris, Matt Olson, Culberson), they initially chose the player who was least likely to be around on June 18. Culberson had not made an appearance for the Braves since being called up in May.
But hey, it worked out that Harris’ father was around to throw out the first pitch.
Father's Day first pitch from @MoneyyyMikeee's dad 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ROzMuvUwj8
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 18, 2023
Fans still had thoughts on the incredibly awkward timing of that roster move.
This was how Twitter reacted
Oh god. This needed to be handled better. That’s emotional trauma https://t.co/Hz2LU6pUSg
— kat is ready for Joey Votto ✨Comeback Season ✨ (@bgardnerfanclub) June 18, 2023
Braves hate family https://t.co/wJyAVDAyDq
— Ant Verrillo™ (@antverrillo) June 18, 2023
Franchise legend deserves better. https://t.co/tCh8oP038K
— Johnny Smiley (@JohnnySmiley13) June 18, 2023
This is something I expect out of the Mets. https://t.co/MJrWMP3QUA
— Jeff Camp (@JeffreyCamp) June 18, 2023
They did NOT do all-time good guy, Charlie Culberson, like this. 😒 https://t.co/T1LeBXxpRF
— Courtney Baker (@CBake93) June 18, 2023
they couldn’t have waited ONE day?? https://t.co/FHpezyZ207
— IcyVert (@IcyVert) June 18, 2023
Nah that’s COLD https://t.co/lKAjMCEpco
— Max Mannis (@MaxMannis) June 18, 2023
Jeeeeze. That's pretty harsh. https://t.co/vFMN1bvqpt
— T-Lor (@TangoYankee13) June 18, 2023
😭😭😭😭 this is so foul https://t.co/F9SNt0xU9w
— Keely (@keelynstl) June 18, 2023
That’s a Father’s Day they’ll want to forget.
