Atlanta Braves DFA’d RHP Luke Jackson, called up RHP Lucas Sims
By Jeff Schafer
Braves call up Sims to help bullpen, Jackson has been DFA’d to help bullpen
Yup, you read that headline correctly, these corresponding moves both HELPED the Atlanta Braves bullpen. The Braves recalled right-handed pitcher Lucas Sims from Gwinnett and have DFA’d right-handed pitcher Luke Jackson.
This move comes right after Jackson’s horrible performance in Chicago. The 26-year-old was only able to get one out, while he gave up one hit, hit a batter and two runs. He appeared in the April 9th game against the Washington Nationals and was able to get three outs without damage, but did walk two hitter and intentionally walked another.
Jackson was DFA’d during the 2018 Spring Training, but no other team wanted him and went unclaimed. The Braves outrighted him to Gwinnett. The chance for another team to claim him is probably pretty slim so it’s likely we’ll see him in Gwinnett again.
We can all rejoice and Jackson can not have to worry about getting pneumonia now.
After yesterdays game versus the Chicago Cubs, he told reporters “If we all don’t come out of here with pneumonia I think we’ll be alright, I think we’ll have won this trip. That’s pretty ridiculous.”
The #Braves have recalled RHP Lucas Sims from Triple-A Gwinnett. RHP Luke Jackson has been designated for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 15, 2018
Lucas Sims was the Braves 1st round selection (21st overall) in the 2012 MLB draft out of high school. He’s progressed through the Braves minor league system showing signs of potentially a MLB starter, but other times just a minor league guy.
The 23-year-old made his way into the Atlanta Braves rotation last year and went 3-6 with a 5.62 ERA in 14 games (10 of which he started). He recored 44 strikeouts and 23 walks during his time in Atlanta.
He’s pitched only once for the Gwinnett Stripers in 2018 and that was on April 9th. He went 4 innings, gave up three hits, two walks, seven strikeouts and no runs allowed.
I think Sims will do great in the Braves bullpen. And yes, he’s being called up to be in the Atlanta Braves bullpen, not the rotation. In 2017, when he was coming out of the pen, he went 6.1 innings, gave up four earned runs, four walks and 11 strikeouts.
Not the best of numbers, but I’ve got more faith in him than Jackson. He also can be used as a long relief guy.
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Hopefully Sims can make an immediate impact in a much needed area of need for the Atlanta Braves.