Atlanta Braves Re-Sign Veteran Josh Tomlin
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves re-signed veteran Josh Tomlin to a minor league deal that will give the Braves some much needed long relief depth in the bullpen. While their bullpen is a strength they were lacking in long relief options.
Josh Tomlin fits perfectly on the Atlanta Braves roster, while it might be a lesser addition it is an important one. Tomlin is the perfect addition for the back end of the Braves bullpen. Atlanta needed a player who can provide long relief stints or an emergency start.
Tomlin was productive for Atlanta last season in limited chances. Despite his solid production, Atlanta shouldn’t consider Tomlin for the rotation.
He is a far better fit for the bullpen and providing Atlanta depth, Felix Hernandez, Kyle Wright, and Sean Newcomb all offer far more upside in the Atlanta rotation.
With Cole Hamels dealing with an injury it is highly likely that Hernandez and Tomlin could both make the roster.
It would not be at all surprising to see at least one trade during Spring Training considering the number of options Atlanta has in the outfield, bullpen, and rotation. It seems likely they will make at least one move to create roster space.
All of this can change of course if either Hernandez or Tomlin were to have a shaky Spring Training. Despite the meaningless nature or Spring Training stats when roster spots are so limited veterans and rookies competing for spots will be judged on them.
Tomlin had a 3.74 ERA for the Braves last season in 51-games with much of that work coming in a mop-up or long relief role.
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Considering Atlanta’s youth in the front three of their pitching staff adding a reliever like Tomlin is a great move. One that will help keep Atlanta’s best arms fresh come postseason time.