This is the time of year when contending teams get their active rosters rounded out ahead of the playoffs. The Atlanta Braves have been busy themselves in calling up Owen Murphy, giving JR Ritchie a chance to prove himself in the majors again, and making the usual roster expansion moves. However, this time of year also means that depth opportunities can pop up when other teams make roster moves, and the Braves jumped at one such opportunity on Tuesday.
Bullpen depth is critical this time of year as teams try to manage their starters and other high-leverage relievers' workloads to last through the end of the regular season and postseason. Doing so is easier said than done, but the Rays' recent decision to DFA Michael Grove did free up a new arm, and the Braves capitalized on the chance by claiming Grove off of waivers.
The #Braves today also claimed RHP Michael Grove off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 15, 2026
Braves claim Michael Grove off of waivers from the Rays
Now, no one should get too excited, as Grove was DFA'd by Tampa for a reason. Grove was a legit pitching prospect with the Dodgers after being selected in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft, but his development slowed in the minors, and his days as a starter ended shortly before he needed shoulder surgery that cost him the 2025 season.
While Grove didn’t do much upon his return to the big leagues after landing with the Rays, he has shown promising signs down at Triple-A. In 21 appearances for Triple-A Durham this season, Grove has struck out 39 batters against 14 walks in 33 innings of work. Finding the strike zone can be tough at times, but Grove has enough upside to be worth taking a chance on.
It would be one thing if the Braves were trying to immediately slot Grove into their big-league bullpen. That would be a deeply silly decision. However, using a 40-man spot to stash an intriguing reliever at Gwinnett is a savvy move to make this late in the season, and one that could pay off big if the need for another arm arises.
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