LOS ANGELES — The Braves already had designated Sean Newcomb for assignment, but they didn’t simply let him go for nothing.
They got something for him.
The club announced it traded Newcomb to the Chicago Cubs for former Braves righty Jesse Chavez and cash considerations.
The Cubs signed Chavez in the offseason as a minor-league free agent. He’s pitched in only three games, allowing four earned runs in 5⅔ innings for a 6.35 ERA. He’s struck out three, walked two and given up seven hits. But Chavez compiled a 2.14 ERA in 30 games for the Braves last season.
Chavez will join a Braves bullpen that has been strong to begin the season.
The Kenley Jansen and Collin McHugh signings have paid off so far. Spencer Strider, a 2020 draft pick, has been a revelation for the Braves. A.J. Minter has built on his strong second half. Tyler Matzek and Will Smith have looked solid.
The Braves acquired Newcomb in a 2015 trade that sent shortstop Andrelton Simmons to the Angels. Over the years, Newcomb showed flashes but was inconsistent. He struggled to find his footing in the majors.
Credit: Curtis Compton
Credit: Curtis Compton
Credit: Curtis Compton
Credit: Curtis Compton
Newcomb, who pitched in 144 games for the Braves after his 2017 debut, posted a 4.25 ERA over 383⅓ innings. He had a 7.20 ERA over five innings this season.
“He’s a big, strong left-hander that throws,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “There will be a lot of teams that take a crack at him. And hopefully for his sake, a change of scenery is something that helps get him going. He certainly has the physical abilities to be very successful here.”
This deal is a no-lose situation for the Braves. Because they designated Newcomb for assignment Tuesday, they were going to lose him regardless. But general manager Alex Anthopoulos acquired someone who potentially could be a useful piece for the bullpen this season.
In spring training, Anthopoulos said the Braves weren’t having any luck in the starting pitcher market, so they asked themselves how they could still improve the club. The answer: making the bullpen as good as possible. Anthopoulos said he had learned the value of a deep bullpen. It has another arm now.
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