Braves sign former Cardinal to minor league deal

On Monday, it was announced that the Atlanta Braves signed former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Seth Elledge to a minor league deal.

According to David O’Brien, Braves senior writer for The Athletic, RHP Seth Elledge was signed by the Atlanta Braves just hours after his release from the Cardinals.

Prior to the 2021 season, Elledge was listed as a top-20 prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals’ system.

Elledge appeared in 11 games last season, finishing out two of those games. In 11-2/3 innings in 2021, Elledge earned a 4.63 ERA, walking 7 while striking out 11.

In the Cardinals minor league system, Elledge played 30 games for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. In 35.2 innings pitched, Elledge accumulated a career-high 6.56 ERA, walking 22 while striking out 46.

Oddly enough, Elledge also pitched 11-2/3 innings in 2020 while posting a 4.63 ERA, identical to this past seasons’ major league numbers. In that time, he walked eight batters while striking out 14.

In his major league debut, Elledge pitched 2-1/3 innings, facing seven batters and striking out five in relief against the Chicago White Sox.

Elledge was a fourth-round draft pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, selected by the Seattle Mariners. He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018 in exchange for Sam Tuivailala.

Elledge attended Dallas Baptist University, where he pitched for three seasons. In his senior year with the Patriots, Elledge pitched 31.1 innings, earning a 2.59 ERA and 1.213 WHIP, walking 13 while striking out 42.

During his time at Dallas Baptist, Elledge became the team’s all-time Division I career saves leader, earning 27 saves in his three-year collegiate career with the Patriots.

This move brings even more depth to an already loaded Atlanta Braves pitching staff in spring training.

Expect Elledge to spend most of his time with the Gwinnett Stripers this season, but if he shows out in the minor leagues, Elledge could find himself pitching at Truist Park if the opportunity comes his way.