LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.—It’s still spring training and Braves right-hander Aaron Kurcz is a minor leaguer, but he’s caught manager Fredi Gonzalez’s attention with a pair of sharp relief appearances for the big-league squad.
Kurcz struck out Mets slugger David Wright with the bases loaded to end an inning on Saturday and on Wednesday struck out Cardinals outfielder Randal Grichuk to leave two runners stranded.
“Not only did he strike them out but the stuff coming out of his hand looked pretty good,” Gonzalez said. “He’s a guy that we traded a major-league pitcher for, so he’s been impressive. It’s funny, you bring guys over and you are filling in innings or you are caddying for somebody else but if somebody impresses you can bring them back and forth as often as you want.”
Kurcz made his third spring appearance for the Braves on Friday against the Tigers and ran into some bad luck.
Kurcz retired the first two batters before Wynton Bernard doubled down the first-base line and scored when Aaron Westlake’s high, weak fly ball died in the wind and fell in front of centerfielder Cedric Hunter. Austin Green singled to score another run before Kurcz got the third out.
The Braves in December acquired Kurcz and cash from the Red Sox for relief pitcher Anthony Varvaro. Kurcz, 24, posted a 2.14 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 42 innings last season for Double-A Portland after he sat out the 2013 season following Tommy John surgery.
