CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Braves, after getting disappointing results from left-handed relievers all spring, claimed minor league lefty Andrew McKirahan off waivers from the Marlins on Wednesday.
McKirahan, 25, missed parts of two seasons following Tommy John surgery, before bouncing back with a strong performance in 2014. He posted a 2.08 ERA with 10 saves and 57 strikeouts in 65 innings in high-Class A and Double-A.
Because he was a Rule 5 pick from the Cubs in December, McKirahan will have to stay on the Braves’ 25-man roster all season or be offered back to the Cubs for half of the original $50,000 claiming price.
Braves lefty Josh Outman, a free-agent signee this winter, has struggled all spring and was sent back to Atlanta to have his sore shoulder examined Wednesday, assistant general manager John Coppolella said. The Braves haven’t said, but it seems safe to assume he’ll start the season on the disabled list.
The McKirahan move underscores how much the Braves needed a lefty, even if it’s one with no experience above Double-A. Lefty James Russell was released last week, a move that cost the Braves just over $600,000, or one-fourth of his salary in a one-year contract he signed this winter when he avoided arbitration.
Incumbent lefty Luis Avilan has been scored upon in three of his past five appearances and hasn’t been effective against lefty batters. Non-roster invitee Brady Feigl, 24, has been impressive, particularly against lefty batters, but has only one season of minor league experience, all of it in Single A.
McKirahan, a 21st-round pick out of the University of Texas in 2011, has a 2.16 ERA in 89 relief appearances in parts of four minor league seasons, with 128 strikeouts, 35 walks and five homers allowed in 120 2/3 innings.
After pitching in just 30 games during the 2012-2013 seasons, he steadily regained velocity last season, back to the 93-96 mph range with his fastball. He had a 0.99 ERA and eight saves in 23 appearances at high-A Daytona and a 3.45 ERA and two saves in 21 appearances for Double-A Tennessee.
