Atlanta Braves

David Carpenter signs with Tampa Bay

By Staff
March 11, 2016

Former Braves reliever David Carpenter signed with the Rays on Friday.

The Braves released him March 5 to give him time to catch on with another major league team before too much of the clock expired on this year’s spring training.

He signed a minor league deal with Tampa Bay that includes an invitation to big-league camp.

The Braves signed Carpenter in November for his second tenure with the team. He made one appearance with the Braves this spring before he was released.

“It does go a little bit against what we talked about originally,” Carpenter said on the day he was released. “But it’s the game. They’ve got to make decisions that are best for the Atlanta Braves and I understand that. I also appreciate they are trying to think of me on this (with an early release). It stinks, especially being back around some familiar faces that I had some really good times with on staff and with the team.”
He was a key member of the Braves’ bullpen from 2013-14. In those seasons he was 10-5 with a 2.63 ERA. In 126 2/3 innings, he allowed 106 hits and 36 walks and struck out 141.
He’s also widely known for the home run he allowed to Juan Uribe in the 2013 National League Division Series with the Dodgers, a two-run homer in the eighth inning that gave the Dodgers the 4-3 lead that held up for a series-clinching victory.
Rays manager Kevin Cash told MLB.com Friday: “He’s a guy who’s got some experience. It’s a little confusing why he’s available, but we’ll take a chance on him. We’re excited to bring him in. … He’s going to throw a bullpen (session Friday), and then we’ll see where he’s at. He’s got a big arm. He could help us and put himself right in the mix here.”