The Braves accomplished a couple of goals in December’s trade that sent Matt Kemp to the Dodgers. They cleared Kemp from their clubhouse and outfield, and added a trio of potentially useful players, led by starter Brandon McCarthy.
Here are five things to know about the veteran of the team’s rotation:
When acquired: McCarthy was acquired Dec. 16 from the Dodgers in exchange for Kemp. The Braves also added Scott Kazmir, Charlie Culberson and Adrian Gonzalez in the deal. It allowed the Braves to clear more money after this season, while the Dodgers tucked beneath the luxury-tax line.
What to expect: McCarthy has a lengthy injury history, but Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos expects him ready to go this spring. As long as he stays healthy, McCarthy likely is one of three locks for the rotation, joining Julio Teheran and Mike Foltynewicz.
Summary of career: The 34-year-old is well-traveled in his career. McCarthy debuted for the White Sox in 2005, and was traded to Texas in December 2006.
The Rangers outrighted him in 2010 after several injury plagued seasons. McCarthy joined the A’s on a one-year deal and made 20 starts, earning an extension.
McCarthy signed with Arizona in 2012. Injuries continued to bother him before he was sent to the Yankees at the 2014 trade deadline.
He registered a 2.89 ERA across 14 starts in New York, which earned him a free-agent deal with the Dodgers. He was plagued by blister problems during the 2017 season.
Career highlight: McCarthy pitched an immaculate inning (three strikeouts on nine pitches) against the Rays on Sept. 17, 2014. He was the 77th pitcher in MLB history to do so.
Something you didn't know about him: McCarthy has no shortage of interesting quirks, most notably his Twitter personality. But being an owner of a team while still a current athlete is rare.
McCarthy became a minority owner of the Phoenix Rising FC soccer club last March. He hopes to parlay that into future business opportunities when his playing days are over.
