ATLANTA – Usher’s New Look nonprofit organization is set to host its 25th annual Disruptivator Summit this week in Atlanta. This notable event will bring together 400 teens from 15 states for an academic and leadership conference.

In preparation for the summit, a dedicated team of volunteers has packed hundreds of swag bags for the attending students. These bags are filled with unique donations from the nonprofit’s partners around the world.

The summit aims to advance the program’s mission of breaking down barriers that prevent teens from graduating high school and college. According to Davis, “New Look” stands out as the only program globally that follows its students for ten years.

The summit will take place at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, starting tomorrow and running through Friday.

I think it is fair to suggest Monday was better than Sunday.

But it still was not too good of a day.

The Braves offense went back into hibernation as Reynaldo Lopez had one of his worst starts of the season in a 4-1 loss to the Reds. Atlanta has now lost three straight games as they are struggling out of the game in the second half of the season.

Of course, the biggest news of the day happened this morning when it was announced that Atlanta signed veteran utility man Whit Merrifield to a major league contract. The goal for Merrifield will be to serve as a versatile bench piece for the Braves. He will likely be the back up option to Nacho Alvarez Jr., who made his MLB debut on Monday. Unfortunately, Merrifield had a bit of a scare after injuring his finger before the game on Monday. He should be good to go showed no fracture.

Braves News

Michael Harris II is remaining active working his way back from his hamstring injury. However, at this time, there is still no timetable for his return:

In a bit more positive news, Austin Riley left the game on Monday due to his wife going into labor. Nothing but the best to the Rileys and the new arrival.

As mentioned over the past 24 hours and now more than official, to make room for Alvarez and Merrifield, the Braves optioned Eli White to AAA, placed Albies on the 10-day injured list, and designated Forrest Wall for assignment.

The Battery Power Mid-Season Top 30 countdown has arrived, with the honorable mentions and prospects ranked 25-30 available to enjoy.

Stephen Tolbert looks at the Braves pursuit of outfield help at the trade deadline.

Atlanta has now signed 19 of the 20 members of its 2024 draft class.

The Braves unveiled the official logo for the 2025 All-Star game.

MLB News

It appears that both the Cubs and Rays could be a few other teams that will look to sell at this year’s trade deadline based on how the next week goes.

MLB.com looks at a trade candidate at each position that could make sense for several buyers looking to add to their rosters.

The Dodgers designated starter James Paxton for assignment.

Francisco Lindor hit two home runs in the Mets win over the Marlins.

Tarik Skulbal pitched well for the Tigers as trade rumors continue to grow around him.

In a season dimmed by inconsistencies and injuries, the Atlanta Braves are awaiting a highly anticipated debut from one of this year’s biggest organizational bright spots: Infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr., who was promoted to the MLB on Sunday night.

Alvarez is Atlanta’s immediate replacement for second baseman Ozzie Albies, who fractured his left wrist Sunday afternoon and will miss approximately eight weeks.

So, who is Alvarez? Here’s what to know as he debuts Monday inside Truist Park against the Cincinnati Reds …

In Nacho His Real Name?

No — “Nacho” is short for Ignacio.

Alvarez’s Minor League Production Led to Quick Rise Through System

A fifth-round pick in 2022 out of Riverside Community College in California, Alvarez has done nothing but tear the cover off the ball since entering Atlanta’s system.

Playing for the FCL Braves and Augusta GreenJackets in 2022, Alvarez hit a combined .287 while accumulating a .451 on-base percentage. He added one home run, 11 runs batted in and 25 runs scored across 30 games.

Alvarez spent the entirety of the 2023 season with the Rome Emperors in Class A-Advanced. He hit .284 with seven homers, 66 RBIs and 62 runs scored in 116 games. He continued reaching base at a high level, finishing with a .395 OBP.

The 21-year-old Alvarez started this year at Double-A Mississippi, playing 48 games and recording 45 hits, 16 steals and 15 RBIs. He was promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett in mid-June and, over the next 28 games, had his best stretch in the minors.

While in Gwinnett, Alvarez experienced a power surge, hitting seven home runs while continuing to reach base at a good clip, batting .336 with a .432 on-base percentage in 113 at bats.

Thus, he’s arriving in Atlanta swinging a confident, scorching hot bat.

Alvarez is One of Atlanta’s Top Prospects

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Alvarez is the Braves’ No. 5 prospect overall and No. 1 position player, according to MLB.Com. Here’s the scouting report on Alvarez …

“A right-handed hitter, Alvarez has very impressive bat-to-ball skills, striking out in just 17.4 percent of his plate appearances at age 20 in High-A in 2023,” MLB.Com writes. “He has an advanced approach and draws plenty of walks (13.2 percent last year), giving him the chance to be a very good hitter with quick hands at the plate.

“He is capable of making hard contact, but he hits the ball on the ground too frequently, especially to his pull side. How he adjusts to better pitching and learns to drive the ball will determine his ultimate offensive profile.”

How Experienced is Alvarez at Second Base?

Alvarez has a defensive background rooted in several positions. He played second base for three years in high school and said Monday afternoon in the Braves’ locker room he quickly felt comfortable when taking ground balls during pre-game warmups.

In community college, Alvarez played third base, but the Braves wanted to see him at shortstop – and he thrived.

“It’s turned out he’s looked very good, even being mentioned as one of the best defenders in the minors by executives from other teams,” writes MLB.Com. “If he can stay there long-term, that increases his value and puts a little less pressure on him to become a run-producer, and there’s definitely an up arrow next to his name.”

Alvarez and … Yunel Escobar?

Even before Monday night’s first pitch, Alvarez turned heads, as the Braves’ lineup has him penciled in at second in the order. According to The Athletic, Alvarez is the first Braves player since Yunel Escobar in 2007 to bat in the two-hole in their MLB debut.

Escobar enjoyed a successful debut, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. It set the tone for a strong rookie season that ended with a sixth-place finish in rookie of the year voting despite playing just 94 games, and on a bigger scale, paved the way for an 11-year career at the sport’s highest level.

At least in one way, Alvarez is starting in the same place as Escobar – and only time will tell whether he’ll have similar longevity and success.