The Braves signed left-hander Alex Torres to a minor-league contract and invited him to spring training with a chance to win a job in the bullpen.
Torres, 27, has posted a 2.68 ERA in over 154 1/3 innings with 157 strikes and 86 walks. He’s had a high walk rate over the past two seasons and eventually was designated for assignment by the Mets during the 2015 season before clearing waivers and reporting to Triple-A.
The Braves are hoping Torres can rediscover the control he showed with the Rays in 2011 and 2013. He will be among five left-handers vying for two bullpen spot next season along with holdovers Matt Marksberry and Andrew McKirahan, and newcomers Ian Krol and Evan Rutckyj.
Torres is known for wearing a hat with extra padding to protect him from batted balls while pitching. Torres was inspired to wear the protective hat after Rays teammate Alex Cobb suffered a concussion when struck in the head by a line drive during the 2013 season.
