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Atlanta Braves Add Reinforcements

By Fred Owens

May 23, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Sean Burnett (24) in the seventh inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Angels won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Sean Burnett (24) in the seventh inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Angels won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Braves Add Reinforcements

The Braves called up reinforcements today adding an outfielder in Atlanta and a potential left reliever at Gwinnett.

According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet the Braves agreed to sign veteran lefty Sean Burnett.

Remember Sean Burnett ?

The 33 year Burnett was the first round pick of the Pirates way back in 2000 and made his major league debut in 2004 starting 13 games for the Bucs and going 5-5. Not bad for a rookie but wasn’t exactly fooling anyone, in his 71 2/3 innings he pitched to a 5..02 ERA – 5.02 FIP – and 1.591 WHIP and allowed 9 homers. Some of that may have been due to a damaged left elbow; an elbow that – except for five seasons between 2008 and 2012 – has been a continuing issue.

burnett surgery
burnett surgery /

Data courtesy Pro Sports Transactions and The Tommy John Surgery List

When healthy however Burnett became a formidable bullpen arm.  Between 2008 (Pirates), 2009-2012 (Nationals) and 2013 (Angels), Burnett made 354 appearances including 10 saves and pitched to a 3.15 ERA and 1.282 WHIP while facing 1272 hitters in 300 1/3 IP, good enough for a +129 ERA Plus. Then his elbow failed again.

After recovering from his last surgery Burnett signed back with the Nats last November on a minor league deal. They released him on April 6 and the Dodgers gave him a similar deal four days later.

As a rule XXB free agent Burnett had the option of opting out of his contract and as noted exercised that option to join the Braves. Presumably he would not have done that without some kind of guarantee of major league time, reporting to Gwinnett is simply a stop along the way.

It’s hard to know what to expect from a 33-year-old whose career splits are even indicating he’s more than a LOOGY; or was before the last surgery. If he pitches close to the way he did for the Nats and Angels he’s Tony Sipp but that was before surgery #2.

The Nats and Dodgers decided they had younger better arms while the Braves are looking for that 2% improvement made famous by the Rays. If Burnett provides that the signing is a success.

Next: Outfield and bench help on the way

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