Atlanta Braves acquire Orioles’ Brian Matusz
On Monday, May 23, the Atlanta Braves acquired left-handed pitcher Brian Matusz from the Baltimore Orioles. What was the purpose of the deal and what will Matusz bring the Braves?
The Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles made a deal on Monday that would send Brian Matusz to the Braves along with the 76th overall amateur draft pick in exchange for two minor league pitchers, Brandon Barker and Trevor Belicek.
Overall, the purpose of the deal was to bolster the Atlanta Braves presence in the daft. The Braves will now have five of the first 80 picks, including Nos. 3, 40, 44, 76, and 80.
Not only did the Braves pick up another draft pick, but the deal ultimately means an opportunity to add more talent to the roster. The deal goes beyond the acquiring of Matusz. Nevertheless, there is always the question, will he bring anything to the Braves?
Matusz, 29, attended the University of San Diego and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1st round of the 2008 amateur draft as the 4th overall pick. He has spent his entire career with the Orioles, from 2009-2016.
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From the Orioles standpoint, they were prepared to do whatever it took to get Matusz off of their roster. Matusz has had a rough start this season. Rough may even be an understatement.
He has appeared in seven games with a 12.00 ERA in six innings. That, in combination with one strikeout and seven walks in those six innings. But don’t worry Braves fans, he has a pretty solid track record, at least in previous years.
The Atlanta Braves acquiring Matusz also meant taking on his $3.9 million salary. Additionally, the Braves have reportedly already designated Matusz for assignment. In short, the Braves are paying $3.9 million for the 76th amateur draft pick.
Next: Atlanta Braves: What's next for the organization?
Whether or not Matusz will specifically bring anything substantial to the Braves franchise, rest assured that the deal with the Orioles certainly did. Your Atlanta Braves now have five of the first 80 amateur draft picks this summer, meaning more opportunities to strengthen an already fairly substantial farm system.