The Atlanta Braves entered Thursday with a day off and some momentum after taking two of three games from the New York Mets at Truist Park.
Atlanta closed the series Wednesday night with a 6-3 victory, improving to 73-48 through 121 games. While the Braves prepare for their next series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the organization has also added another arm to its minor league system.
The Braves have signed left-handed pitcher Tanner Bauman, a former New York Yankees draft pick who became available earlier this month.
Braves Give Tanner Bauman a New Opportunity
Bauman, 24, was selected by the Yankees in the ninth round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Auburn. His time in New York’s organization came to an end on August 3.
MLB.com listed the transaction: “Hudson Valley Renegades released LHP Tanner Bauman.”
The Hudson Valley Renegades also announced a series of Yankees organizational moves that included Bauman’s release.
It didn’t take long for the left-hander to find another organization.
On August 7, MLB.com reported: “Atlanta Braves signed free agent LHP Tanner Bauman to a minor league contract.”
Four days later, another transaction confirmed where Bauman would begin his time with Atlanta.
“LHP Tanner Bauman assigned to Rome Emperors,” MLB.com reported on August 11.
The Rome Emperors confirmed the move as well, announcing that Bauman had signed a minor league contract and been assigned to the club.
Bauman Makes Strong First Impression With Rome
Bauman quickly made his debut for Rome.
CrosbyBaseball noted the Auburn connection while providing an update on his first appearance with his new organization.
“Crossover Braves/Auburn news: The Braves have signed former Auburn pitcher Tanner Bauman to a minor league deal. A 9th-round selection by the Yankees in 2024, he was released by New York last week He made his debut for Rome last night, pitching 1.1 scoreless in relief (3Ks),” the account posted.
That first appearance gave Bauman a clean start with Atlanta: 1.1 scoreless innings and three strikeouts.
NYY_Prospects pointed out that finding another organization after being released isn’t automatic for players affected by minor league roster cuts.
“Not all guys released in the midseason minor league cuts find new homes, but Bauman heads to Atlanta,” the account wrote.
Bauman’s professional numbers also show why this is a developmental addition rather than an established major league signing. StatsFarm noted that he signed for $37,000 after being selected in the ninth round and had thrown 88 innings with an ERA above 6.00.
Before joining the Braves, Bauman also briefly appeared outside affiliated baseball. Mike Ashmore reported that Bauman made one appearance for the Atlantic League’s York Revolution after his Yankees release. Ashmore also noted that Bauman had picked up a win in his lone outing with Somerset on May 21.
Now he’ll get another opportunity inside an MLB organization, this time with Atlanta.
Braves Sit Atop NL East After Mets Series
The move comes while the Braves sit atop the National League East. Atlanta is 73-48 and has won seven of its last 10 games. The club has been particularly strong at Truist Park, where it owns a 41-21 record through 62 home games.
The Braves won’t have to leave Atlanta immediately after finishing their series against the Mets. They’ll remain at Truist Park for Friday night’s matchup against Nolan Arenado and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Meanwhile, Bauman’s next chapter will play out further down the organizational ladder with Rome, where his first outing already produced 1.1 scoreless innings and three strikeouts.
