The Braves expect Anthony Swarzak back in their bullpen when the team returns from the All-Star break in San Diego on July 12.
Swarzak was recently placed on the injured list because of right shoulder inflammation. He felt irritation after his last outing Friday in New York. The Braves placed him on the injured list shortly after, ending his first half.
And for Swarzak, who is on his third team since winter, what a first half it was. The Braves acquired the veteran from Seattle in May, exchanging Jesse Biddle – who’s since joined the Rangers – and injured closer Arodys Vizcaino.
Since Swarzak debuted with the team May 22, the Braves’ bullpen has been among its strengths (Sunday’s game notwithstanding). Swarzak has a 0.52 ERA over 17 appearances with the Braves. The only damage done against him in 17-1/3 innings was Howie Kendrick’s solo homer.
Losing him for any extended period would’ve been detrimental for the Braves, who would’ve lost their go-to high-leverage reliever. Making matters more concerning, Swarzak has a recent history of shoulder issues. Such ailments spoiled his past season with the Mets, the first year of a two-year, $14 million deal, and he was packaged in the Edwin Diaz-Robinson Cano trade in December.
Now, the Mets are watching their jettisoned reliever fulfill a key place in their rivals’ bullpen. The Braves breathed a sigh of relief that Swarzak should return after the break, which begins after the Braves’ six-game homestand.
“Everything checked out good,” manager Brian Snitker said. “There was some inflammation. Just some time off will be good for it. That’s what’s encouraging. If he has to be down, this is probably a good time with the four days off for the All-Star break, too. I hate to lose him, but if we have to do it this is a good time to take advantage of it. Everything points where he should be good for Friday.”
