The Braves have signed left-handed pitcher Dana Eveland to a minor league contract, according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation (Twitter links). Eveland opted out of a minor league deal with the Red Sox last week.
Eveland, a client of Page Odle at PSI Sports Management, returned to Major League Baseball last season after spending the 2013 campaign pitching for the Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization. His return to MLB was a successful one, as he made 30 appearances with the Mets and worked to a 2.63 ERA with 8.9 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9 in 27 1/3 innings.
Despite his performance, Eveland wound up settling for a minor league deal with the Red Sox this past offseason. The 31-year-old pitched rather well in 23 1/3 innings at Triple-A Pawtucket this season, compiling a 1.54 ERA with 20 strikeouts and three walks.
As MLBTR’s Steve Adams noted at the time of his signing with Boston, Eveland replaced his four-seamer with a two-seam fastball and more sliders than ever last season, and the results were positive. Now with a different team, he’ll look to bring that mix of pitches to the big league level once again.
The Braves signed another veteran on a minor league pact less than 24 hours ago when they inked David Aardsma.
I sure hope these recent pickups work out. Braves offense has been a surprise this year and the pitching hasn’t been that great. I get they are ‘rebuilding’ or ‘retooling’ but with 1 starter and a couple relievers this team can stand next to any team in the league. No need wasting time with a bunch of maybe’s, let’s get someone that’s a for sure thing
Those cost prospects and money, something the Braves do not need to give up or give in to at this point. I love these moves for the Braves. Eveland and Aardsma are two proven veterans with a recent track record of success. Everything should pan out fine once these new arms (along with Peter Moylan) hit the Braves bullpen.
Ya know, I agree but the braves stockpiled so many quality sps that there’s going to be no room on the team. Folty is maturing in every start and Perez looks like a #3 guy on most teams. Seeing as the other 3 spots are taken, manban, wisler, and jenkins could all turn into trade chips for offense and bullpen help.
see the Heaney trade for reference.
Great pick-up by the Braves. I think he is more than serviceable (7th/8th inning guy) and can help stabilize the bullpen if the Braves move him up.
Eveland and Aardsma have both run hot and cold during their careers. It is very worth it for Atlanta to see if they can catch either or both on a successful streak. Both can be very helpful.
Braves are starting to horde all the pitching options.
The Braves have shown that when they focus on an area they can address it, confident they will do the same here.