The Atlanta Braves made some waves last deadline when they dealt four prospects for Kevin Gausman. The other piece in the deal was Darren O’Day, who seemingly had dropped off the face of the earth, but finally, news popped up about the injured hurler.
David O’Brien of the Athletic, who covers the Atlanta Braves had the report Tuesday on Twitter, saying:
"#Braves’ Darren O’Day has ramped up from playing catch to long-tossing, but has not thrown off mound yet. It will be late August or September before he could expect to join bullpen, Snitker said."
It’s good news to find out that we may have the capability to add an arm to the bullpen late in the season. And it’s better news when you consider what O’Day could actually bring to the table… especially since the Atlanta Braves are paying his 9 million dollar salary this year.
Clearly, the organization was expecting him to be ready to go for 2019 spring training.
O’Day was simply one of the best relievers in all of baseball from 2012-15 with the Baltimore Orioles.
Over 273 appearances that spanned 263 innings, O’Day posted a 1.92 ERA and 0.93 WHIP during those four years. That’s right, those kinds of numbers for four straight seasons.
The submarine-style pitcher was rewarded with a well deserved All-Star nod in 2015.
In 2016, he missed some time with a shoulder injury that he made worse by pitching through it, instead of stopping. That’s not the smartest thing to do, but at least we know the guy is a gamer.
2017 was a both a healthy and solid one for O’Day, but not with the same results as his incredible run before, registering a 3.43 ERA and 1.07 WHIP.
After 20 appearances In 2018, O’Day was shelved due to forearm tightness and traded to the Atlanta Braves, who had the understanding he would not pitch again that year. This season, the Atlanta Braves put him on the disabled list on March 28, then moved him to the 60 day injured list on June 8 to make room on the 40-man roster.
O’Day, as noted, could come back in either August or September, depending on how things progress. Adding a veteran arm to the bullpen would certainly be a boost, and when healthy, O’Day’s numbers, even after his 2012-15 run point to him being an upgrade. Maybe whatever was bothering him is completely gone, and he could return to his All-Star form?
Probably not, but the Atlanta Braves sure hope so. With all of the possible relief pitching options out there, it sure would be nice to have one come along without having to give up a prospect of any sort.
Only time (and O’Day’s arm) will tell if the Atlanta Braves get anything from that portion of the trade.