19-year old lefty swinging outfielder Jason Heyward was the #2 prospect in the Braves’ minor league system coming into this season according to Baseball America and he’s showing why this season. He has played in 72 games in AA+AAA ball this season and he is 90 for 270 (.333 avg, .988 OPS) with 51 runs scored, 13 homers, 50 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. Heyward is a Georgia boy and that’s the area the Braves love to draft from as it’s home to them. Heyward could push his way to the majors by September of this season if he continues to rip it up in the minors.

34-year old righty reliever Vladimir Nunez is working his way back to Atlanta. He has pitched in 24 games (2 starts) in AAA-ball this season and he is 2-2 with 2 saves, a 2.23 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. If the Braves have problems in middle relief and Nunez keeps pitching well in AAA he should get another chance at the show.

22-year old righty starting pitcher Tommy Hanson was the top prospect in the Braves’ minor league system heading into the 2009 season according to Baseball America and he’s showing why. Hanson started 11 games in AAA-ball this season before his promotion and he was 3-3 with a 1.49 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP. Hanson has started 6 games for the Braves this season and he is 4-0 with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. He has only allowed 27 hits in 36 innings this season but he has walked 18 batters so his control will need to improve. Still, Hanson will be a major factor in whether or not the Braves make the playoffs or not this season.

The Braves are going to recall their #1 prospect this weekend to join the starting rotation. 22-year old righty Tommy Hanson might take the National League by storm. He has pitched in 11 games (all starts) in AAA-ball this season and he is 3-3 with a 1.49 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP. Hanson has only allowed 40 hits while whiffing an amazing 90 batters in only 66 1/3 innings this season! The trade for McLouth combined with the calling up of Hanson means the Braves are willing to do what it takes to contend for the National League East this season.

21-year old righty swinging outfielder Gorkys Hernandez was part of the haul from Detroit for Edgar Renteria over the winter and he looks like a keeper. Hernandez has played in 54 games in A-Ball this season and he is 64 for 229 (.279 avg, .778 OPS) with 38 runs scored, 4 homers, 24 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. The Braves really stuck it to the Tigers for Renteria as they also got Jair Jurrjens in that trade and he’s been outstanding. Not to mention that Yunel Escobar is outproducing Renteria this season.