He isn’t going to be the 2019 version of Anibal Sanchez – at least not yet – but the Atlanta Braves could certainly use a healthy arm right now.
As is common at this time of the year, the Atlanta Braves are ‘taking a flier’ on a veteran pitcher who is continuing to try and find a new home for this season after he ventured away from his only team for the first time this Winter.
The announcement came early this morning, that Atlanta has signed 34-1/2-year-old right-hander Josh Tomlin to a minor league deal. The contract contains a Spring Training invite… which is a mere formality at this point.
The Atlanta Braves today signed RHP Josh Tomlin to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 21, 2019
Financial terms are not known at this point, but Tomlin needs to show something – though probably not much – in order to be placed on the rosters (40-man and 25-man) within the next few days.
He will get that opportunity:
The Braves signed Josh Tomlin to a Minor League deal. He’ll start Saturday’s game. The Braves will then decide whether to carry him as a long reliever or send him to Gwinnett
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 21, 2019
Perhaps a little surprisingly, Tomlin was unable to crack the Brewers’ lineup after a decent Spring: 4.93 ERA while only walking 2 batters in 15 innings. It’s of course that latter stat which would catch the interest of the Braves the most.
In fact, that control has been a hallmark of Tomlin’s 9 year career with the Cleveland Indians. He has not been a strikeout artist, but has definitely forced hitters to put the ball into play, recording a 1.1 walks-per-9-inning rate.
That will certainly be welcomed in Atlanta.
Newcomer Tomlin is working out with #Braves who stayed back at LBV today. Chatted with some pitchers, greeted his former (for a few months) Cleveland Indians teammate Josh Donaldson with a hug.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 21, 2019
The Role
So after opting out of his Brewers’ deal, the Braves will give him a chance. Honestly, unless he really screws up this weekend, he’s probably got a roster spot thanks to the injuries and other ineffective performances.
In fact, the message that really might be getting delivered today is to Sean Newcomb:Â he may be getting put on notice.
Brian Snitker was complimentary to his young southpaw after another walk-ridden outing, but that’s the public message. Privately… the coaching staff has to be concerned.
While the public statements about Tomlin thus far involve ‘long relief’ or ‘Gwinnett’, I would not be terribly surprised if Newcomb gets a chance to find his command in AAA instead.
So Tomlin could end up being the beneficiary of Newcomb’s woes, as he seeks to latch on to a team in pursuit of a coveted 10th year of major league service time (the pension threshold).
We we learn more on Saturday when Tomlin debuts in an Atlanta uniform.