Many Twins fans likely forgot about outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. He appeared in 74 games with the Twins last season, but mainly served as a defensive replacement/pinch-runner. Now, the outfielder is in the headlines with his new team.
The Atlanta Braves recalled Keirsey from Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday, the team announced. Keirsey took the roster spot of outfielder Lane Thomas, who just landed on the injured list (retroactive to Sept. 8) with a strained left intercostal muscle.
The #Braves today recalled OF DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to Atlanta and placed OF Lane Thomas on the 10-day injured list, backdated to September 8, with a strained left intercostal muscle.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 11, 2026
Keirsey slashed a poor .107/.138/.179 with two home runs and six RBI over 88 plate appearances with Minnesota last season. He also stole 10 bases with the club.
Minnesota moved on from Keirsey in the offseason, designating the outfielder for assignment last November. He cleared waivers and elected free agency, allowing him to sign a minor-league contract with the Braves.
Keirsey has spent the entire season with Triple-A Gwinnett, slashing .247/.303/.346 with six home runs, 36 RBI and 40 stolen bases over 109 games. The Braves selected his contract on June 4 because of an opt-out clause. Atlanta immediately optioned the outfielder to Triple-A.
What will former Twins OF DaShawn Keirsey Jr.'s role be with the Braves?
Keirsey will likely serve in a similar role with the Braves as he did with the Twins last year: a primary defensive replacement/pinch-runner. With Atlanta fighting to keep its spot atop the National League East and hoping to claim one of the top two seeds in the NL standings, it's doubtful the club has any plans to start Keirsey at all. But if the Braves need a pinch-runner or a defensive boost late in a game, Keirsey will likely find himself on the field.
The Twins drafted Keirsey in the fourth round out of the University of Utah in 2018. He was never viewed as a top prospect, but back-to-back seasons (2023 + 2024) with an OPS of .800+ in the minors earned him a look in the majors. Granted, he never got much of an opportunity to play regularly in the big leagues, but there's a strong chance he never would've reached the majors if he hadn't impressed with his bat those two seasons.
Keirsey hit .250/.335/.436 over 36 games with Triple-A St. Paul last year. Given his past minor-league success, it's a bit surprising that Keirsey has a .649 OPS in Triple-A this season. But that doesn't really matter, as the Braves didn't call Keirsey up for his bat; they promoted him for his defense and speed.
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