Garcia will look for success overseas after spending the last three years playing at the major-league level with the Braves. Following a solid 2016 campaign, the third baseman missed a bunch of time this past year due to a finger injury that required surgery, and also an Achilles tendon ailment that kept him out for a couple weeks. All in all, the 32-year-old slashed .237/.273/.347 with five home runs and 19 RBI, but it was apparent that Garcia had lost whatever sort of role he obtained by the end of the season.

Before signing off on Garcia's return to the active roster, the Braves had him play three rehab games in the minors, during which he went 1-for-10. Garcia opened the season in an everyday role for the Braves at third base, but since the 31-year-old isn't expected to factor into the club's long-term plans, he may end up being third in the pecking order at the hot corner behind Johan Camargo (knee), who could also be activated from the DL on Monday, and Rio Ruiz.

Along with Garcia, fellow infielders Johan Camargo (knee) and Danny Santana (quadriceps) will come off the DL for the series opener, with Camargo's return in particular serving as the biggest hindrance toward Garcia gaining fantasy value in September. It's expected that Camargo, who was enjoying a productive rookie season prior to being shut down for the last month with the injury, will take over as the everyday third baseman, rounding out an infield that includes three other foundational pieces in Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson. With that in mind, Garcia, a 31-year-old with no long-term place in the Braves' plans, may only pick up a couple starts per week as the season winds down.

The plan is for Garcia to take a few days of batting practice in Florida before heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment, which is expected to take him until the end of the minor-league season. Barring any setbacks during his brief rehab stint, Garcia will be activated shortly after. With Brandon Phillips settled in at the hot corner, Garcia's role once he returns remains up in the air.