The Atlanta Braves continue to make moves leading up to Spring Training, and that topic continued in recent days by signing left-handed pitcher Brian Moran to a minor league deal. Moran was signed by Atlanta back on February 4, and was also assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett the same day.
Atlanta Braves sign left-handed pitcher Brian Moran to minor league deal
A former seventh-round pick from the 2009 MLB Draft, the 35-year-old left-hander recently spent the entirety of the 2023 season with Triple-A Gwinnett. Across 47.2 IP, which was also 38 appearances as a reliever, Moran held a 2-1 record with a 3.21 ERA, a 58:20 K/BB ratio, and two saves.
Over his professional career, Moran has only 11.1 IP at the major league level, which came across 18 combined relief appearances in recent years. The first of those came back in 2019 when he made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins, posting a 4.26 ERA and 10:2 K/BB ratio across 6.1 IP that season.
He is also the brother of Colin Moran who has played for the Astros, Pirates, and Reds. Brian's first strikeout in the majors was against his brother which is pretty cool.
Moran also had a combined 4.2 IP at the MLB level between the Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays in 2020, and most recently pitched in the big leagues with one appearance in 2022 with the Los Angeles Angels.
For his MLB career overall, Moran owns a combined 2-0 record with a 7.94 ERA and a 17:9 K/BB ratio across 11.1 IP, as well as a -0.1 WAR.
Looking ahead, Moran was assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett, as mentioned previously, and will begin the 2024 season with the Stripers. The left-hander is likely a minor league depth option entering the year, and could see time with the Braves in 2024, but should that happen, it would likely come in a limited capacity due to the numerous bullpen options that Atlanta has, as well as there not being any spots open to begin the year.