Atlanta Braves Minor League Move Catch Up
By Fred Owens
Andrew Albers LHSP – 31-years-old 6’1” 200 pounds – Albers was drafted by the Brewers in 2004 but elected to go to college instead. The Padres selected him in the 10th round of the 2008 draft and he made five starts in the Arizona Fall League without allowing a run but his elbow gave up and missed the 2009 season after having TJ surgery.
The Padres released him in March 2010 and he signed with Quebec (Can-Am), in May appearing in 40 games as a relief pitcher posting a 1.40 ERA and o.988 WHIP in 57 2/3 IP and earning 17 saves.
The Twins signed him in 2011 and Albers split time between A+ and AA working mostly as a starter. He returned to AA the following season and threw 103 innings in 21 games – – 18s starts – including 2 rehab games in rookie ball.
He started 2014 in AAA and made 22 starts throwing 132 1/3 innings with a 2.86 ERA, 1.179 WHIP and throwing three complete games. Minnesota called him up in August and made 10 starts for the Twins throwing 60 innings with a 4.05 ERA, 3.69 FIP.
That wasn’t good enough and the Twins released him in January 2014. Albers signed with Hanwha (Korea) a couple of weeks later and made 28 starts throwing 151 1/3 innings with a 5.69 ERA, 1.586 WHIP. He returned to the US following that season, signed with Toronto in December 2014.
The Jays assigned him to AAA Buffalo where he made 20 appearances including 15 starts for throwing 82 2/3 innings with a 5.70 ERA. The Blue Jays released him after that season and he signed with Lancaster (Atlantic) in April 2016. Three weeks later the Twins signed him away from Atlantic and sent him to AAA.
In AAA he made 21 starts throwing 124 1/3 innings with a 3.69 ERA while striking out 84 and walking 30. The Twins called him for a spot start on August 11 and came up for good on August 26th.
He made six appearances overall for the Twins last year – including two starts – for a total of 17 innings posting a 5.82 ERA and striking out 16 while walking six.
Claimed
Armando Rivero –The Braves claimed Rivero off waivers from the Cubs on December 8. Details were reported by Alan here.
Moving on
The following players were released by the Braves.
RHP Caleb Beech, RHP Taylor Cockrell, RHP Tyler Greene, RHP Britt Robertshaw, C Trey Keegan, C Ruben Perez, C Collin Yelich, 3B Jordan Edgerton, OF Elias Arias
Traded:
The Braves traded LHP Alberto Rodriguez to Giants for cash on December 16.
That’s a Wrap
The most interesting additions are Moore – drafted by the Braves in 2011 and eventually released – and Albers who has shown flashes of quality work and has some major league time.
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I don’t expect any of them to make a huge impact unless Rivero regains whatever he lost that made the Cubs abandon him. These players are essential to keep the minor league system staffed and in the case of Barreda, Moore and Albers provide some veterans to help guide the younger prospects.