The Braves made several bullpen moves before beginning their homestand Friday. They selected the contract of right-hander Carl Edwards, optioned Edgar Santana to Triple-A Gwinnett and designated right-hander Nate Jones for assignment.
Edwards, who had an up-and-down spring training but remained with the organization, will have the chance to earn a more regular spot in the bullpen. The hard-throwing Edwards has nice stats, producing a 2.81 ERA in 131 games for the Cubs from 2017-18. Edwards will pile up strikeouts but also walks.
“He’d been throwing really well (at the alternate site),” manager Brian Snitker said. “I know (general manager) Alex (Anthopoulos) had seen him a couple times at the alternate site. They (the reports) were really, really good. I think it’s a good time to give him a shot.”
Santana has appeared in four games, allowing two runs on four hits in three innings. This was his first major-league action since 2018 with Pittsburgh. Jones, who made the opening-day roster with a strong spring, is in Triple-A after appearing in 12 games for the Braves to start the season. He had a 3.48 ERA in 10-1/3 innings.
“We’re going to need them all as this thing stretches out in the next five months,” Snitker said of the organization’s relievers. “Santana was sent down. I really like what he’s got, too. That sinker is real. But this kid hadn’t pitched in a couple years, so I think it’ll be good to get him regular (work). Carl’s been through the wars before. He’s an established veteran. If a guy’s throwing well, there’s no better time to give him a go.”
The Braves (15-16) hosted the Phillies to begin a six-game homestand Friday. Thirteen of the Braves’ next 16 games will be at Truist Park, which is expanding to 100% capacity beginning Friday.
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