NEW YORK – Four weeks after he was unceremoniously designated for assignment by the Rockies at the end of spring training, former Cardinals closer Jason Motte returned to the majors with the Braves on Thursday, though some in the clubhouse might not have initially recognized him.
Gone was the familiar beard that Motte wore during a 42-save season with St. Louis in 2012 and subsequent seasons with the Cardinals, Cubs and Rockies. The veteran right-hander had to shave his substantial facial hair before reporting to the Braves’ Triple-A Gwinnett affiliate after signing a minor league deal April 9.
“My daughter’s 4 1/2, so she ended up shaving it for me,” Motte said. “She was pretty excited to help me shave it. She did say, ‘You look weird. Put it back on.’ But it’s all part of it. It’ll be back.”
The Braves purchased the contract of Motte and optioned third catcher Anthony Recker to Triple-A to open a spot on the 25-man roster.
Braves major leaguers — unlike the organization’s minor leaguers — are permitted to wear facial hair, and many have beards. Motte, 35, could stick around long enough to grow back his beard if he pitches as he did at Triple-A: He allowed only two hits and one walk with six strikeouts in 5 1/3 scoreless innings over five appearances for Gwinnett.
“The reports were really good,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker, adding that Motte likely would be used initially in a one-inning role in the sixth or seventh inning.
“He’s throwing the ball very well, he’s been real efficient. And there’s a guy who’s been through the wars. So we’ll take a look at him.”
Motte, an eight-year veteran, signed a two-year, $10 million contract with Colorado before the 2015 season. After posting a career-worst 4.94 ERA in 30 appearances for the Rockies in 2015 and struggling this year during spring training, the Rockies designated him and released him with one year and $5 million left on his contract.
The Braves are responsible only for a prorated portion of the major league minimum $535,000 salary for any time he spends in the big leagues this season, while the Rockies will pay the rest of the $5 million he’s owed.
Motte didn’t quite understand the Rockies’ decision to drop him, but took a couple of positives from the development: He got to spend a week with his family before signing with the Braves, and he likes where he landed with Atlanta.
“Pretty crazy month going from being designated and released,” he said, “then I was at home for about a week with my family — which was pretty awesome; I got to coach my daughter’s T-ball practice, I got to go to one of her soccer games, got to spend time at home – then got a call from the Braves. … Now I’m up here and happy to be here.”
Motte concedes he had a lackluster spring, but said the important thing was that he was healthy. That’s why he was surprised by Colorado’s decision, and not surprised by his performance at Gwinnett.
“I feel good. Arm feels good,” he said. “For me that’s the main thing is going out there and being healthy. Being able to be out there and do what I can do when I’m healthy. I feel good, now go out there and get some outs.”
As for his expected role with the Braves, he kept it simple: “My role is to get outs in an inning before they score runs.”
About the Author
