The Atlanta Braves have completed a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for right-handed pitcher, Ben Heller. In exchange for Heller's services, Atlanta provided international bonus pool money. Heller was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett and to make room for him on the roster, the Braves designated Nick Solak for assignment.
The Atlanta #Braves today acquired RHP Ben Heller from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for international bonus pool money and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta designated OF Nick Solak for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 6, 2023
Heller himself was DFA'd by the Rays last week and had been on a minor league deal with the team this year. He's appeared in 18 minor league games in 2023 and has a 3.95 ERA over 27.1 innings pitched.
The former Yankees pitcher has been in 31 MLB games in his career and that was from 2016-2020. Due to injuries after the 2020 season, he's not pitched in the majors since then. His career bullpen ERA currently sits at 2.59 and since he hasn't pitched in a couple of years, it's hard to know if he will be beneficial or not but the potential is certainly there.
While he may not have the most MLB experience, he has shown he can pitch well when he's had the opportunity. With how the Braves bullpen has struggled this season, it feels like a necessary move to ensure there are options available to choose from. As for now, we will see how he fairs with the Stripers and if he's able to get himself back into a Major League uniform.
As for Solak, the Atlanta Braves could end up with him if no team claims him off of waivers. Solak has less than three years of service and has not been outrighted in the past. In 151 at-bats, he's slashed .272/.364/.444 with an .808 OPS with 6 HR and 28 RBI.
Solak was acquired by the Braves back and April and were the fifth organization he'd found himself with in his young career. He began his time with the Rangers in 2019 and was with the team until 2022 when he was traded to the Reds.