Braves reportedly lose $4M swingman to Mariners after slow start to season

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Braves reportedly lose $4M swingman to Mariners after slow start to season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves are widely considered one of the best teams in baseball at this point in the season. They have yet to reach full health, with several key contributors gradually working their way back. A major reason for their success has been the pitching staff, led by pitching coach Jeremy Hefner.

“Braves hired Jeremy Hefner as pitching coach. Hefner, 39, spent past 6 seasons with Mets, who had MLB's 6th-best ERA in that span. They also hired Antoan Richardson, 42, as 1st-base coach. He spent past 2 seasons in that role with Mets and was also OF & baserunning instructor,” former Braves writer David O’Brien wrote.

The Braves have had some struggles out of the bullpen, and earlier in the week the organization decided to make roster moves. Atlanta designated Joel Payamps and Jose Suarez for assignment after a rough start to the year.

“The Braves have designated relievers José Suarez and Joel Payamps for assignment, per a club announcement. Right-hander Hunter Stratton has been recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett, and fellow righty Anthony Molina has had his contract selected from Gwinnett as well,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote.

Both players are now available to be claimed off waivers, and Suarez has already been picked up by the Seattle Mariners, who Atlanta will face beginning Monday.

“The Braves outrighted Joel Payamps to Triple-A. José Suarez was claimed off waivers by the Mariners,” SI’s Harrison Smajovitts wrote.

Suarez simply did not deliver the results Atlanta needed early in the season, and it will be interesting to see how the Mariners choose to use him moving forward. The Braves are still waiting on reinforcements to return from injury, but Suarez had likely become a roster casualty regardless.

Suarez has earned a little over $4 million across his career. Sometimes a change of scenery is necessary, and that is what he will be hoping for as he begins his stint with Seattle.

More MLB news:

• Yankees analyst hints at Anthony Volpe's unexpected plan amid Jose Caballero's hot start​

• Phillies predicted to trade for $115M World Series champion, Silver Slugger to boost lineup​

• Dodgers manager Dave Roberts delivers blunt response to offensive struggles amid losing streak​

• Padres predicted to trade for $56M Cy Young winner to stabilize injury-prone starting rotation​

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