Atlanta Braves trade for Chicago White Sox pitcher Zach Stewart

Feb 26, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Zach Stewart (45) pitches during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Update: Mark Bowman of MLB.com and Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune both confirm the below report.

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Whether it is linked to the latest injury rumblings surrounding Kris Medlen or not, there is a report circulating that the Atlanta Braves have made a depth move with regard to starting pitcher.

Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago reports that the Braves have acquired starting pitcher Zach Stewart from the White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. Stewart, who is a 28-year-old right hander with 103 innings of Major League experience, was last seen pitching for the White Sox triple-A affiliate last season, where he posted 167.1 innings with a 4.25 ERA, 6.56 strikeouts per 9 innings, and 1.99 walks per innings.

In his limited MLB time, Stewart has struggled to an ugly 6.82 ERA, and to be honest, this seems like a minor league depth move for Atlanta. The timing is a bit odd considering Medlen’s MRI is set for Monday, but it is certainly possible that this move would have happened either way, and the Braves are getting a less than inspiring arm in return.

Keep an eye out for confirmation of this move, as there is currently only one report providing this information, and it has not been confirmed by the club or any local beat writer.