Signings Announced: Grilli, Pierzynski, and… Outman
We previously had been made aware that the Atlanta Braves had agreements to sign reliever Jason Grilli and Catcher A.J. Pierzynski. News today is that while the Braves officially announced the signing of these players, they also announced that Josh Outman joins the team – effectively replacing Chasen Shreve, who was traded to the Yankees on New Year’s Day.
Two of the three newest #Braves - Jason Grilli (@GrillCheese49) & A.J. Pierzynski - signing their contracts pic.twitter.com/LLdA3O9pwT
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 7, 2015
Josh Outman
Outman is 30 years old and hails from St. Louis. He was drafted by the Phillies in 2005 and debuted in the majors late in 2008 with Oakland. He has been with Oakland, Colorado, Cleveland and the Yankees.
Outman is a lefty specialist – a LOOGY. This is illustrated best by his Yankee numbers from 2014: 9 appearances, 3.2 innings. In those appearances, he gave up 2 hits with 2 K’s and no walks for an ERA of zero.
Overall in his career, he has a 4.43 ERA in 161 games, 274 innings. Lefties batters hit him for a .183 average (413 faced); Righties at .299. Definitely better vs. LHH.
Next: Braves Almost Didn't Get John Smoltz
Roster Stuff
So that’s 4 names to (soon) be added to the 40-man roster including Outman’s 1 year deal (terms not yet known; would guess something in the $1-1.5 million range)… with Dian Toscano also pending. There are 38 names currently on the roster.
AJP and Grilli will likely be added immediately, having passed their physicals. No word as yet on who will be bounced from the 40-man for Outman and Toscano, but we’ll keep you posted.
UPDATE 1:
Source: #Braves deal with Outman pays him $925K base salary with $475K available in bonuses based on appearances. Maxes out at $1.4M.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 7, 2015
UPDATE 2:
The 40-man roster has been updated… with 41 names on it. Apparently one will be removed today.