Braves Promote P David Hale from AAA

February 20, 2013; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher David Hale (62) poses for a picture during photo day at Disney Wide World of Sports complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Braves made a roster move on Wednesday, and while it wasn’t necessarily one that was expected from everyone, our own Eric Graff mentioned the player as a possibility.

25-year-old right-hander David Hale has been called up from Triple-A Gwinnett, and will be available for the weekend series against the Phillies. Because of roster expansion rules and the fact that Hale was already on the 40-man roster, no corresponding move was needed, and Hale’s promotion is simply another body on the active roster for Atlanta.

In 114.2 innings with Gwinnett this season, Hale has a 3.22 ERA (3.89 FIP) to go along with 6.04 strikeouts per 9 innings and 2.83 walks per 9 innings. He doesn’t present the “upside” of some of the other pitchers in the minors, but he has a solid pedigree as a 3rd-round pick in 2009, and he’s been effective in the minors.

Here is a quote from Fredi Gonzalez, obtained by Dave O’Brien of the AJC, surrounding the call-up of Hale:

"“He’s got some good stuff. Getting out of that jam… He’s got pitchability. He’s got some quality pitches. He elevated the fastball, he can sink it. He’s been impressive.”"

Clearly, that is far from a full-on scouting report on Hale, but he could be a useful option. He was acting as a starter in Gwinnett, and with all honesty, the Braves would likely be better off using his services than those of Kameron Loe going forward.