Atlanta Braves call up some relief pitching help to Spring Training
By Jeff Schafer
Braves call up some relief pitching help
In the past three days, the Atlanta Braves have called up six relief pitchers to add additional bullpen help. All these guys have been added to the Spring Training roster, but none have appeared in a game yet.
All six pitchers added were right-handed throwers. These additions aren’t unusual so don’t look too much into them. Just added depth on the roster in case they need the arms.
RHP Evan Phillips – called up 2/25
Phillips is a pitcher I’m actually excited to see in 2018. He impressed me during his time with the Gwinnett Braves in 2017 and looks to continue building off that success. The 23-year-old throws hard, around 96-97mph and has excelled through the Braves minor league system.
He was the only Braves representative in the AFL All Star in 2016 and played in the 2016 Carolina League All-Star. In 2017, he pitched for Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett. Making 40 appearances throughout both teams. He recorded 53 strikeouts, but needs to work on his control as he walked 34 hitters in 51.1 innings pitched.
I hope Evan can make his way into a Spring Training game to prove he’s got the arm to be at the highest level. A little more control work and this guy can be a solid bullpen pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.
RHP Caleb Dirks – called up 2/25
Dirks is a strange cat to me. Not because of what he’s done on the field, but because the Braves have played hot potato with him. He was drafted by the Braves in the 2014 MLB draft in the 15th round out of California Baptist University.
On July 2, 2015, the Braves traded him to the LA Dodgers with outfielder Jordan Paroubeck for cash considerations. And then almost a year to the day (June 30) in 2016, the Braves trade FOR him! Dodgers received Bud Norris and Dian Toscano for LHP Philip Pfeifer and Dirks.
Dirks posted a 4.02 ERA with Gwinnett in 2017 with 45 strikeouts and just 13 walks in 40.1 innings pitched. The 24-year-old could get a decent opportunity to show the organization what he’s got.
RHP David Peterson – called up 2/25
The eldest of the bunch. Peterson is now 28-years-old after the Braves selected him in the 8th round of the 2012 MLB draft. He worked his way up all the way to Gwinnett by 2015 and had a great stint there. Pitched in 18 games with a 2.08 ERA and 11 k’s.
In 2016 though, his progression went backwards. He struggled in Triple-A and struggled in Double-A.
He made strides in 2017 as he pitched the entires season for the Gwinnett Braves. Threw 67.2 innings, held a 4.12 ERA and had 53 strikeouts to just 15 walks.
If the big 6’5″ 205-pounder is going to mount to anything, 2018 has to be his year.
RHP Matt Withrow – called up 2/26
This is another guy we should all keep our eyes on. The younger brother of Chris Withrow was off to an exception season in 2017 before a freak injury happened. He was able to get back on the field and pitched well. Braves broadcaster Jim Powell said last year that a “scout told me his FB/slider package could already help in MLB pen”.
The 24-year-old was drafted by the Braves in the 6th round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Texas Tech University. The Braves have been bouncing him back and forth between a starter and a relief pitcher so far in his career.
The 6’5″ 235-pound righty will look for another solid season in 2018.
RHP Devan Watts – called up 2/26
Watts was drafted by the Braves in the 2016 MLB draft in the 17th round from Tusculum College. He’s pitched extremely well in every stop up the Braves latter he’s been to. This kid is exciting and one we should watch out for.
The 22-year-old worked his way from High Single-A to Double-A Mississippi in 2017.
Watts features a sinker/slider combination that really is tough for hitters to square up. His fastball sits in the low-90s, and there were some reports as high as 96 this year. He works exclusively out of the stretch as a reliever, and he has a slight delay just before his foot hits the ground that can throw off a hitter, but otherwise, he has a fairly standard stretch motion.
RHP Jacob Webb – called up 2/27
The Braves called up Jacob Webb this morning. One reason I believe they called Webb up today was because the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted a Jacob Webb in the 19th round of the 2017 MLB draft. Atlanta was probably playing mind tricks today. Just kidding.
Webb was drafted by the Braves in the 18th round of the 2014 draft out of Tabor College. The 24-year-old sat out all of 2015 after he tore his UCL 11 games into his pro career. He worked his way back onto the field in 2016 and in 2017 he had a extremely solid season with the Florida Fire Frogs and the Mississippi Braves. He held a 2.07 ERA in 65.1 innings pitched and struck out 74 batters.
I’m sure the call to join the Braves in Spring Training was one he’ll never forget. Good for him, hopefully he can throw in a game
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So as you see from above, these guys aren’t just fill in pitchers for the Braves. They all have quite a bit of potential. Hopefully they all can get into some games over the next few weeks. If not, we’ll follow them in the minors!