The Atlanta Braves are continuing to churn their pitching depth, making another quiet but strategic move to bolster their long-relief options.
On Sunday, the team announced they had claimed right-hander Connor Seabold off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays and designated right-hander Domingo Gonzalez for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster. Seabold was immediately optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Fresh Arm With Starting Experience
Seabold, 28, posted a 1.35 ERA in 6 2/3 innings across three games for the Rays this year but hasn’t pitched in the majors since June 19. Most of his season was spent with Triple-A Durham, where he worked in both starting and relief roles, logging 16 games (10 starts) with a 6.49 ERA before being DFA’d. His track record includes outings of up to five innings, making him a potential multi-inning bullpen option if Atlanta needs a spot call-up.
This is the second ex-Rays pickup for the Braves in recent days, following Friday’s waiver claim of infielder Vidal Bruján. Triple-A pitcher Nathan Wiles also passed through Tampa Bay’s system earlier this year before being traded to Atlanta.
Braves Make Room On the 40-Man
Gonzalez, 27, has yet to pitch in the majors. In 35 games for Gwinnett this year, he’s posted a 4.29 ERA with a 1.45 WHIP. The righty has been a regular Spring Training invitee for Atlanta, logging six career Grapefruit League outings with a 6.35 ERA in 5 2/3 innings.
The Braves have cycled through several long-relief arms this season — Dylan Dodd, Austin Cox, and Dane Dunning are current options, while others like Scott Blewett and Michael Petersen filled the role earlier in the year. Deadline acquisitions, Erick Fedde and Carlos Carrasco, could also slide into multi-inning relief once the rotation gets healthy.
Given that Atlanta used seven relievers in one day during Saturday’s doubleheader, keeping another innings-eater stashed in Triple-A could be critical down the stretch. For now, Seabold becomes the latest in a revolving door of arms ready to bridge the gap when the bullpen is stretched thin.
